Asda is set to trial an automated age verification solution at its self-checkouts.

The Big Four supermarket said that customers at its Pudsey and Stevenage stores will be able to use the age estimation technology when purchasing alcohol from this week onwards.

Asda said the solution works via using a camera in the self-checkout screen to estimate a customer’s age, and that it is aimed at making it easier and quicker for customers using self-checkout.

Asda said shoppers purchasing alcohol will be able to look at a camera to verify their age before completing their purchase, and if the system detects a customer looks younger than 25, they will be able to then prove their age through the Yoti and Post Office EasyID apps.

The Big Four supermarket said that those who do not wish to use the digital system at the self-checkouts will have the option to show their ID to an Asda employee.

Asda said the trial will be run in partnership with checkout technology company NCR and digital identity network, Yoti.

The trial will run until the end of May according to Asda, who confirmed the technology will only be used for the purchase of alcohol products during the trial period.

The Big Four supermarket said it will also trial the use of sensors at its Stevenage store to help monitor issues like the need to open more checkouts at peak times to manage queues.

Asda said it is also set to launch a trial early next month that will allow colleagues in four stores to test payments via its mobile Scan and Go app, which will allow them to scan, bag, and pay for their shop.

The news comes as the Big Four supermarket is currently launching other new technology partnerships.

Earlier this month, Asda signed a deal with digital workflow business ServiceNow to provide a new platform designed to help both employees on the shop floor and office-based colleagues with process queries, raising questions, and obtaining information.

“We know how time pressed some of our customers are, so we always want to make things quicker and easier for them when they shop with us,” said Geri Hebberd, senior director of retail innovation at Asda. “We are excited to be the first retailer in the UK to test this new technology and are looking forward to seeing what our customers think of the trial.”

He added: “The use of this software will enable colleagues to focus on serving customers and make sure they have an excellent experience whilst in store.”

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