Shinsegae’s new network uses VLM technology to identify and assess potential safety risks.

Shinsegae Duty Free has introduced a new AI-powered safety network at its Myeongdong flagship store and integrated logistics centre in South Korea, using Vision AI and Vision-Language Model (VLM) technology to identify and assess potential safety risks in real time.

The system analyses CCTV footage using a two-stage process. Vision AI first detects potentially abnormal events, such as falls or dangerous behaviour, before VLM technology examines the surrounding context and sequence of actions to determine whether intervention is required. The approach is designed to reduce false alarms while enabling control personnel to respond more quickly to genuine incidents.

At the busy Myeongdong duty-free store, the technology has been tailored to risks associated with high customer volumes, international travellers and passengers carrying luggage. It can identify customers travelling in the wrong direction on escalators, strollers entering escalator areas, passengers failing to properly hold luggage handles while using escalators, falls and congestion around entrances and elevator lobbies.

When certain risks are detected, the system can automatically activate measures including public-address announcements, floor warning lights and voice guidance. Falls trigger alerts to security personnel, while analysis of customer density and movement patterns allows staff to identify developing congestion and provide guidance where necessary.

The technology has also been deployed at Shinsegae Duty Free’s integrated logistics centre, where it monitors risks associated with forklifts, logistics vehicles and cargo handling. This includes monitoring compliance with the company’s two-person forklift procedure, under which an operator works alongside a designated signaler, as well as identifying potentially dangerous vehicle behaviour and other workplace risks.

The latest deployment forms part of a wider digital transformation of Shinsegae Duty Free’s logistics operations. In March 2026, the retailer announced a partnership with LG Electronics to develop an AI-powered logistics system incorporating intelligent automation, digital-twin technology and AI-powered video analytics.

It also builds on the retailer’s existing safety infrastructure, which includes proprietary safety work management system S-DRI (Shinsegae Daily Inspection), designed to identify potential hazards before work begins, and a Smart Electrical Fire Prevention System at its logistics centre. The latter monitors conditions including overcurrent and leakage current in real time and can link alerts to automatic fire-suppression equipment.

Shinsegae Duty Free’s headquarters, Myeongdong store, Incheon Airport operations and integrated logistics centre have also received ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management certification.

“By applying AI technology across both our retail stores and logistics operations, we are creating a more proactive and precise approach to safety management,” said Shinsegae Duty Free Senior Vice President Hee-jae Lee. “The new Vision AI-powered safety network builds on our existing safety management systems and allows us to identify potential risks in real time while supporting faster responses on the ground. We will continue to leverage advanced technology to raise safety standards across every part of our operations.”

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