Launched in 2020 by Amazon, Amazon Go was promoted as a major innovation offering a cashier-less shopping experience. The stores were equipped with ‘Just Walk Out’ technology, which allowed customers to shop and leave the store without interacting with a cashier. But how did this system work, and was it truly fully automated?
The Working Principles of Amazon Go and “Just Walk Out” Technology
The Amazon Go application connected users to their Amazon accounts via iOS or Android devices, and access was granted by scanning a QR code at the store entrance. The store shelves detected which products the customers picked up through weight sensors, and the items were added to the customers’ virtual cart or removed when put back. After shopping, customers could leave the store without making a payment, and the turnstiles automatically detected the products taken, processing the payment through their Amazon accounts.
How Does Amazon Go Actually Work?
However, the system did not operate exactly like this. According to claims, behind Amazon Go were not only artificial intelligence but also human observers. In particular, staff in India monitored the store’s customers through cameras and checked 700 out of every 1000 transactions. This revealed that despite Amazon’s portrayal of the system as entirely AI-based, it actually relied on cheap labor.
The End of Amazon Go and Emerging Problems
As of 2023, Amazon decided to terminate the project and start closing the stores as it could not fully operationalize this technology. This situation also led to significant discussions on technology and ethical issues.
Source: Business Standard
