Walmart Patents Biometric Data System for Detecting Unhappy Shoppers

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. wants to know it all, and technology is here to help.

Whether it’s by collecting data on millions of shoppers or using drones to spy on inventory counts in its warehouses, the retailer is on the cutting edge of information in retail.

So far this year, Walmart has patented technologies that detect faulty shopping cart wheels and gauge the “giftability” of a product, based on the receiving individual’s likes and dislikes.

And in March, Walmart patented a system that gauges customer dissatisfaction based on biometrical data through a camera in the checkout lane. Ultimately, employees could assist impatient customers before they voice a complaint.

It might feel intrusive, but do shoppers care? Maybe they like the idea of a retailer that can practically read their minds.

It’s up for debate where the sweet spot lies between a personalized shopping experience and invasion of privacy. But one thing’s for sure: If knowledge is power, all hail King Walmart.