Amazon Removes Just Walk Out Technology From Its Stores

Amazon is phasing out its AI-driven Just Walk Out technology in its Amazon Fresh grocery stores, which allowed customers to pick items off the shelves and leave without a traditional checkout process. The company is shifting its focus to the innovative Amazon Dash Cart, which enables shoppers to scan their items as they shop. This transition marks a significant change in Amazon's approach to enhancing the grocery shopping experience.

An Amazon spokesperson confirmed that Just Walk Out technology will be discontinued in U.S. Fresh locations but will remain operational in Amazon Go stores and in the United Kingdom. Harry Staight, a representative from Amazon, emphasized the company’s commitment to improving the shopping experience. “We’ve invested a lot of time redesigning many of our Amazon Fresh stores over the last year,” he noted. “These enhancements have resulted in higher customer satisfaction and increased purchases, as customers enjoy better value, convenience, and selection.”

The Dash Cart offers a smoother shopping experience, allowing customers to skip the checkout line entirely. Shoppers use the Amazon app to scan a QR code at the start of their visit. The smart cart, equipped with advanced computer vision and sensors, identifies and tracks items as they are added. This innovation not only streamlines the shopping process but enhances convenience.

Originally launched in 2018, Just Walk Out technology utilized a sophisticated blend of RGB cameras and computer vision to monitor customer purchases seamlessly. However, it has been revealed that there was additional support behind the scenes, with a team of over 1,000 workers in India reviewing video footage to ensure the accuracy of transactions. Staight explained that these associates helped annotate video images, aiding the machine learning processes that power the technology. “In few instances, associates may validate shopping visits when the technology lacks full confidence,” he added, noting that over time, the need for human oversight has decreased.

Amazon’s frictionless checkout experience allowed customers to simply select their items and be charged automatically to their Amazon accounts. The company even explored palm recognition technology known as Amazon One to enhance access to stores.

In addition to its grocery stores, Amazon extended the Just Walk Out concept to various venues, including Lumen Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks, enabling fans to purchase snacks and drinks effortlessly, similar to the experience in Amazon Go stores.