Amazon, the e-commerce giant, has announced plans to expand the reach of its cashierless shopping technology, Just Walk Out, to more third-party stores from 2024 to 2025.
The company aims to launch more small-format third-party stores equipped with the technology in 2024 than in any previous year, planning to more than double the number of such stores.
This move comes despite the recent decision to halt the use of the technology in its own Amazon Fresh grocery stores.
The Just Walk Out system, currently in operation across 140 stores in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, enables customers to enter a store by scanning an app, choose their products, and exit without the necessity of checking out at a register.
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The technology not only boosts sales and throughput but also streamlines staffing needs, allowing stores to potentially operate for extended hours, even around the clock without overnight staff present.
Just Walk Out proves particularly effective in stores offering a curated selection of items, catering to customers who typically purchase only a few products.
Responding to reports suggesting that Just Walk Out technology relies on human reviewers in India to monitor shoppers, Amazon clarified that its associates do not observe live video feeds of customers to generate receipts.
The company stressed that the process is entirely automated through computer vision algorithms, with human reviewers utilized only as is customary in other AI systems that prioritize accuracy.
Amazon highlighted that customers favor its Dash Cart particularly in larger grocery stores.
The Dash Cart utilizes advanced computer vision technology, akin to Just Walk Out, to automatically tally the cost of items as they’re added, enhancing the shopping experience, especially in larger establishments.
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The expansion of the Dash Cart is already in progress, with Amazon integrating it into all Amazon Fresh stores and collaborating with third-party grocers to achieve broader adoption.
Customers also show a preference for the security and convenience offered by the palm recognition service Amazon One.
The service, allowing customers to securely check out using the palm of their hand, has been utilized over eight million times.
