In an effort to increase sales and reduce food waste, more and more convenience stores and supermarkets in Japan are allowing AI to analyze data such as past sales numbers to determine what discounts to apply to perishable products. At about 3 p.m., at a branch of the Lawson supermarket chain in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district, a computer inside the store decides which food products to discount and how much. “Assorted sandwiches, 1 off, 20 yen ($0.13) off,” another read, “Crispy Beef and Lettuce Sandwiches, 3 off, 30 yen.” Then a manager printed price tags…
