Amazon is discontinuing its cashier-less “Just Walk Out” technology in its Amazon Fresh grocery stores. The technology, which was supposed to allow customers to grab items and leave without going through a checkout process, relied on AI-powered video surveillance. However, the technology faced numerous problems and required significant human involvement. Amazon will now be using shopping carts with built-in checkout screens and scanners for a more convenient shopping experience. Customers will be able to scan items as they shop and view a running total of their purchases. Amazon has made these changes based on customer feedback and to provide more convenience.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon is discontinuing its cashier-less technology, Just Walk Out, at its Amazon Fresh stores. | From cashier-less technology to cashier-assisted technology. | Customers will scan items using checkout screens and scanners on shopping carts. | Inefficacy of the Just Walk Out technology. |
| Just Walk Out technology, which relied on AI-powered video surveillance, had numerous tech problems and required significant human reviews. | From an inefficient AI-powered surveillance system to a more streamlined checkout process. | The new cashier-less format will eliminate the need for constant shelf tidying. | Challenges in training the AI and reducing human reviews. |
| Just Walk Out technology was deployed in Amazon Go, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods, and third-party stores. | From limited deployment to a more widespread adoption of cashier-assisted technology. | More stores will implement the new shopping cart checkout system. | Expanding and enhancing the shopping experience for customers. |
| Amazon will introduce Amazon Dash Cart, a smart-shopping cart, as a more convenient alternative. | From a reliance on surveillance technology to a cart-based checkout system. | Customers will have access to nearby product information, deals, and receipts in real-time. | Customer demands for convenience and additional features during the shopping process. |