Amazon will stop the use of its "
Just Walk Out
" technology, which enables customers to skip the checkout process when shopping in its Fresh
grocery stores
in the US. Instead, the company will introduce its "
Dash Cart
"
smart shopping carts
.
As reported by The Information, Amazon will gradually phase out the Just Walk Out system from all larger
Fresh stores
where it is currently being used.
However, the technology will continue to be in use in smaller corner stores.
The company plans to open new Fresh locations equipped with Dash Carts and phase out Just Walk Out in existing stores over the next 18 months.
The Just Walk Out technology was introduced in 2016. It allows customers to scan a QR code as they enter the store, select their items, and then simply walk out. The system uses a combination of cameras, sensors, and remote employees to identify purchased items and complete transactions.
However, the technology has proved a little too expensive for Amazon. Just Walk Out, as reported, has high costs due to the necessary equipment and delays in completing transactions, with some customers waiting for hours to receive their receipts. As of 2022, 700 out of every 1,000 Just Walk Out sales required human review, falling short of Amazon's internal target of fewer than 50 reviews per 1,000 sales, as per the report.
In comparison, the Dash Cart system, which will now facilitate checkouts in Fresh stores, features a scanner and screen embedded in each shopping cart, enabling customers to check out as they shop. The stores will also feature self-checkout counters for non-Amazon members.
While Amazon is phasing out the Just Walk Out technology in the US, some Fresh stores in the United Kingdom and its Amazon Go convenience stores will continue to use it.
English (US) ·