Retailers are using police-style bodycams to deal with crime, but this company wants its latest AI-powered tech to do more

Retail workers frequently face challenging situations, from shoplifting to hostile customer encounters. In response to rising concerns over safety, some major retailers, including Walmart, have begun testing police-style body cameras in select stores to bolster protection for their employees. Meanwhile, companies like Home Depot are heavily investing in strategies to combat organized retail crime and gather evidence against repeat offenders. TJX, known for its off-price retail outlets, has multiple job openings that require employees to don company-approved uniforms, including body-worn cameras. Axon, a prominent manufacturer of police body cameras, has adapted their technology for the retail and healthcare sectors. In the past year, Axon reported revenues of $2.1 billion, with approximately $247 million derived from body cameras and their accessories. The company is now set to launch a more compact and lightweight version of their camera, specifically designed for frontline workers, early next year. Josh Isner, Axon’s president, emphasized the need for the right form factor, stating, "We know it keeps people safer, we know it limits shrinkage, but now it's about dialing in the right form factor." The upcoming Body Workforce Mini is similar in size to an AirPods Pro case and features advanced communication capabilities, AI functions, and high-definition video. Isner noted that having a video presence can serve as a de-escalation tool in tense situations, making confrontations less intense. Retail workers often find themselves in unpredictable scenarios, sometimes being filmed by customers who post videos online. A survey conducted by Motorola revealed that about two-thirds of retail employees experienced shoplifting incidents within the past year, with nearly half reporting abusive interactions from customers. Crisis consultant Larry Barton highlighted the feeling among retail workers that they often lack support when confronting criminal behavior or customer aggression. Although many retailers discourage direct engagement with shoplifters, bodycam footage can provide valuable evidence for real-time assessments and post-incident analysis. Axon's new camera can seamlessly integrate with existing store security systems, offering a comprehensive view of incidents from various angles, including a first-person perspective. The two-way communication feature allows workers to request assistance or receive crucial information from live personnel or AI assistants, even providing translation services when needed. The AI capabilities of the new cameras could transform everyday retail operations beyond safety concerns. Workers might receive alerts about product locations, pricing, or register queues directly via AI, streamlining communication within the store. Axon’s evidence and cloud services generated over $808 million in sales last year, suggesting a strong market for such technology. As retailers increasingly look to cutting-edge solutions, Isner believes that while the primary focus remains on enhancing workplace safety, companies facing high rates of retail crime will find that the costs of implementing these systems could be balanced by savings gained from reduced theft. He concluded, "We really believe we can save these retailers money by deploying these cameras as well as keeping their workforces safer."