Lithuanian supermarket chain Iki has launched a four-week pilot of an AI-powered age verification system at one of its stores in Vilnius. Developed in partnership with StrongPoint Technology, the solution aims to streamline age-restricted purchases at self-service checkouts, allowing customers to buy products like alcohol and tobacco more efficiently while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Facial Recognition for Seamless Age Verification
The pilot began this month, and marks the latest example of how artificial intelligence is reshaping the in-store retail experience. When a customer attempts to purchase an age-restricted item at a self-checkout kiosk, the system uses facial recognition to estimate the person’s age. If the AI determines the customer meets the legal age requirement, the transaction proceeds automatically. If the system cannot confidently verify the age, store staff are prompted to carry out a manual check.
This approach mirrors recent trials in the United Kingdom, where major retailers have tested biometric age verification as a way to speed up purchases and reduce the burden on staff. The underlying technology in Iki’s pilot stems from an existing collaboration between StrongPoint and Yoti, who have worked together on biometric identity solutions since 2018.
StrongPoint has emphasized that the system was built with privacy in mind. Age data is processed locally and temporarily, and the system is designed to comply with relevant data protection laws and standards. This lines up with industry best practices and addresses common concerns surrounding the use of facial recognition in public settings.
Part of a Growing Global Trend
The trial comes amid rising global adoption of AI-driven age estimation systems. Industry figures indicate that such systems are now used in more than 90 countries and are performing over 300,000 age checks per month. Their growing reliability and ease of deployment are making them attractive for retailers seeking to reduce bottlenecks at checkout and improve customer flow.
If successful, the pilot could lead to wider deployment across Iki’s network of stores, further integrating AI into everyday retail operations. The project reflects the broader shift toward automation in the sector, driven by a desire for greater efficiency, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance.
Sources: Retail Insight Network, Made in Vilnius
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By Ali Nassar-Smith
