Amazon abandons ‘Just Walk Out’ checkouts

Amazon is removing the frictionless checkout technology Just Walk Out from its Amazon Fresh grocery stores as it introduces a more reliable alternative, The Information reported.

Just Walk Out allows customers to pay for items without having to wait in lines. The technology, installed in over half of Amazon Fresh locations, uses cameras and sensors to track what people are leaving the store with.

Despite the benefits, it often took hours for customers to receive receipts after leaving the store, while the scanners and cameras in each store are also highly expensive.

The company said it is rolling out Dash Carts, a type of smart-shopping carts outfitted with a screen and scanner that allows customers to check out as they shop. The new solution is described as more reliable and also lets shoppers see their spending in real time. 

First launched in 2007, Amazon Fresh has about 40 stores across the US, most of which are in California, Illinois, Virginia and Washington. Amazon plans to revamp the majority of its Fresh locations this year.

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