According to one embodiment, an article recognition device includes a storage unit, an image interface, a distance information interface, and a processor. The storage unit stores outline information indicating an outline of an article. The image interface acquires a captured image. The distance information interface acquires distance information from a distance sensor. The processor recognizes a first article from the captured image, specifies an article area in which the first article appears from the captured image based on the outline information, acquires an article area distance between a surface of the first article and the installation base on which the first article is placed, which appear in the captured image, based on the distance information, and determines whether the first article is disposed overlapping a second article based on the outline information and the article area distance.