Amazon is phasing out its Just Walk Out technology, which allowed consumers to enter a store, select the items they wanted to purchase, and exit without the traditional checkout they were used to.
The e-commerce giant is replacing it with Dash Carts, a new system featuring a scanner and screen that’s integrated into a consumer’s shopping cart. This innovation enables customers to view their order total as they shop and complete the checkout process gradually.
Shifting Gears
After pioneering cashierless, checkout-free grocery stores in 2016, Amazon initially anticipated a revolutionary shift in retail. The technology promised to eliminate long checkout lines and human interactions, allowing customers to swiftly acquire their items.
However, the anticipated seamlessness was not fully realized. Amazon invested heavily in a network of scanners and video cameras to monitor shoppers. The company relied extensively on more than 1,000 individuals in India who reviewed and verified transactions. According to The Information, “700 out of 1,000 Just Walk Out sales required human reviewers as of 2022.”
Amazon fell short of its internal target, aiming for fewer than 50 reviews per 1,000 sales. This reflects the ongoing necessity for human oversight despite advancements in artificial intelligence-driven operations.
On to the Next Tech
Now, Amazon is banking on Dash Carts, expecting minimal disruption to the shopping experience. Consumers will be able to remove, weigh, and adjust items while bypassing traditional checkout queues. Additionally, they can sync their Dash Cart with their account to be able to access loyalty pricing and track spending.
Currently, Dash Carts are available in 18 Amazon Fresh locations and six Whole Foods Market locations.
