- Amazon has launched an advanced AI model for its “Just Walk Out” checkout-free service, using cameras, sensors and RFID to track shoppers more accurately.
- The system handles complex scenarios efficiently, adapts to changes, and has been deployed in over 170 locations globally.
OUR TAKE
The Just Walk Out technology’s advancements underscore a pivotal shift towards frictionless retail, enhancing shopper convenience and retailer efficiency. Its AI-driven accuracy and adaptability address common retail challenges, promising streamlined operations and a future where seamless shopping experiences are the norm.
–Vicky Wu, BTW reporter
What happened
Amazon has unveiled an advanced artificial intelligence model designed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of its “Just Walk Out” checkout-free service. The new model, which utilises a combination of cameras, shelf sensors, and RFID chips, represents a significant upgrade over previous systems, allowing for faster and more accurate tracking of customer activity in physical stores. The technology, which was piloted in 2018, has since been implemented in over 170 locations worldwide, including airports, stadiums, universities, and hospitals across the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.
Jon Jenkins, VP of Just Walk Out Technology at AWS Applications, highlighted the system’s ability to handle complex scenarios, such as customers picking up multiple items simultaneously or placing products in the wrong locations. The new model is designed to operate more efficiently, combining various signals into a single action, eliminating the need for multiple models to perform separate tasks. The technology can also adapt to changing conditions, such as fogged-up freezer doors obstructing the camera’s view.
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Why it’s important
The enhanced Just Walk Out technology promises to revolutionise the retail experience by reducing queues, enabling 24/7 operations, minimising theft, optimising labour, and making retail spaces more efficient. For retailers, the streamlined installation process and improved accuracy mean a quicker return on investment. Shoppers benefit from a seamless shopping experience, entering the store with their payment details pre-registered and exiting without the need to queue at checkouts.
Amazon’s commitment to privacy is evident in the absence of biometric data collection, ensuring customer trust remains intact. Instead, the system tracks individuals through their movements and hand actions, mapping them to the payment method used upon entry. The technology’s scalability and adaptability make it a compelling proposition for third-party retailers looking to modernise their operations.
The Just Walk Out technology team, operating independently within Amazon Web Services, plans to double the number of third-party installations this year, with the new AI model set to roll out over the coming month. As the retail industry continues to evolve, Amazon’s Just Walk Out service stands poised to lead the way in frictionless shopping experiences.
