Amazon bids farewell to Just Walk Out checkout system, introduces Dash Carts
Just Walk Out technology had to be bolstered by remote observers
Amazon has announced a significant shift in its grocery store technology, bidding farewell to its cashier-less checkout system, "Just Walk Out," in favour of a new innovation, the "Dash Cart."
The decision comes after Amazon acknowledged limitations in its Just Walk Out technology.
Just Walk Out, which was launched in 2018, initially garnered attention as Amazon's innovative solution to streamline the checkout process. It employed cameras and sensors to track customers' purchases, eliminating the need for traditional checkouts.
However, the system needed hundreds of overseas workers to monitor customer activities, thre cost of whose employment rendered it unsustainable for Amazon in the long run.
According to The Information, the system required human intervention in a significant portion of transactions, leading to bottlenecks in processing data, delayed receipts and concerns about privacy and accuracy.
Dash Cart, on the other hand, offers a more streamlined solution. Customers initiate their shopping session by scanning a QR code, enabling them to add items to their carts seamlessly. They can then exit through the Dash Cart lane or check out at a register.
With features like product lookup through a touchscreen interface, the technology promises improved accuracy and efficiency compared to its predecessor, Amazon says.
While Just Walk Out technology will be phased out from Amazon Fresh stores, it will continue to operate in select locations globally, including some stores in the UK and certain Amazon Go outlets. The technology will also persist in some other settings, including ballparks, theme parks, convenience stores and hospitals.
An Amazon spokesperson highlighted the company's commitment to enhancing the overall shopping experience, citing increased customer satisfaction scores and purchasing rates as evidence of the positive impact of recent store redesigns.
The spokesperson claimed Dash Cart technology adds customer convenience, including access to nearby products, real-time receipt tracking and insights into potential savings while shopping.
Amazon's activity in the realm of physical retail has seen various shifts in recent years. Despite acquiring the upscale Whole Foods chain in 2017, the company has closed several brick-and-mortar stores, including Books, 4-Star and Pop-up locations.
Last year, it closed its Amazon Style clothing stores and its sole remaining drive-up grocery pickup location was shuttered in January.
In September, Amazon revealed plans to scale back its reliance on computer vision technology in favour of utilising radio-frequency identification (RFID) scanners for tracking customer purchases.
The timing of Amazon's decision to abandon its Just Walk Out system coincides with cuts to the Amazon Web Services division.
See also: AWS announces more job cuts
On Wednesday, the company announced plans to reduce the workforce within the division's store technology teams, responsible for overseeing the implementation of both the Just Walk Out and Dash Cart systems.
Amazon insisted that these job cuts were prompted by broader changes in the technological landscape of its stores.