Love them or loathe them, retailers across the world are installing more automated checkouts, as they aim to reduce staff costs.

But the loss of personal service and the unreliable technology has prompted complaints from customers.

And supermarkets are also facing a significant increase in theft from self-scan checkouts.

We're in Ireland, where shops only installed the technology in recent years. Plus we hear from experts in Australia, China, the UK and United States.

(Image: A man scans some bread through a self checkout. Credit: Getty Images)

Produced and presented by Russell Padmore