Jan 13, 2003/ FW/ --- Optimal Robotics Corp. (NASDAQ: OPMR), North America's leading provider of retail self-checkout systems, today announced that Oxford, Swindon & Gloucester Co-operative Society, one of the United Kingdom's largest regional independent Co-ops, is the first to introduce the low profile, U-Scan self-checkout terminals to U.K. shoppers.

Happy shopper pays for order at the new U-Scan in the Carterton store
(Photo courtesy of Optimal Robotics

Since launching U-Scan self-checkout in its Carterton Superstore in December 2002, O,S&G has already experienced higher than anticipated shopper usage through the U-Scan self-checkout lanes.

"This new system allows customers to scan, pack and pay for their shopping with no involvement from the checkout operator." Said Bill Laird, Food Division Controller. "This helps to reduce queues, eases pressure on staff manning conventional tills and therefore improves the general level of in-store service."

"We have been delighted with our customers' reaction to U-Scan self-checkout since its launch" said Mr. Laird. "We are already finding that after only one or two visits our customers are confidently using the equipment without any assistance." Mr. Laird added, "As a result of our success in Carterton during the busy Christmas period we will extend the trial to our Summertown store in Oxford, in mid January and one of our convenience stores shortly afterwards."

"We are delighted that shoppers in the United Kingdom are now able to enjoy the U-Scan® self-checkout experience" said Henry M. Karp, president of Optimal Robotics. Paul Rosen, managing director of Optimal Robotics' U.K. operations added, "We are proud to have launched in this country in partnership with Oxford, Swindon & Gloucester Co-op. A number of other major U.K. retailer have shown considerable interest and we look forward to announcing further trials with other U.K. retailers this year."

The new, scaleable U-Scan5 terminals have been ergonomically designed to facilitate the self-checkout process and now offer shoppers a high-resolution graphic interface designed to guide them through their transaction. As with all the U-Scan products, the U-Scan5 terminals accept all methods of payment accepted at conventional checkout lanes.

Optimal Robotics Corp. is the leading provider of self-checkout systems to retailers in North America. The Company's principal product is the U-Scan automated self-checkout system, which enables shoppers to scan, bag and pay for their purchases with limited or no assistance from store personnel. Optimal Robotics Plc, a subsidiary company that is registered in theU.K., carries on Optimal Robotics' U.K. operations.

For additional information, please visit www.opmr.com