Amazon's Just Walk Out Tech Gets Major AI Upgrade
Amazon Inc. has introduced the latest version of its Just Walk Out checkout-free service, enhancing its accuracy with transformer-based machine learning. This advanced technology, also used in many AI applications, is now being applied to physical stores.
How Just Walk Out Works
The Just Walk Out technology utilizes cameras and sensors to track items shoppers remove from shelves and put back. Initially launched in 2018, the system has evolved to analyze data from these sensors simultaneously rather than sequentially. This means it can determine what items shoppers have picked up more accurately and faster.
Benefits for Retailers and Shoppers
For retailers, the updated system promises a more efficient checkout process. Shoppers, on the other hand, won't need to worry about items being incorrectly recorded as they leave the store. This is a major improvement over the earlier version, which could sometimes struggle in unusual shopping scenarios like obscured camera views.
Advanced AI and Machine Learning
The new system uses the same transformer-based models that underlie many advanced AI applications today. This allows it to analyze all sensor data at once, rather than in a sequence. As a result, it can handle complex shopping scenarios more effectively and reduce the need for manual retraining of the model.
Privacy and Accuracy
According to Jon Jenkins, vice president of Just Walk Out technology, the improvements are seamless and continue to protect shopper privacy. The AI system is self-learning, meaning it will keep improving its accuracy over time without requiring manual updates.
Global Expansion
Currently, Just Walk Out is available in over 170 locations across the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Canada. Amazon plans to double this number by the end of 2024, making the checkout-free shopping experience more accessible globally.
This advancement in transformer-based machine learning signifies a significant step forward in retail technology, promising a future where shopping is faster, easier, and more accurate for everyone.
