Amazon’s Latest Fully-Automated Grocery Store Is Cool AF


Advertisements
 

For those of you who didn’t know, Amazon introduced a checkout-free grocery store whereby you don’t have to physically checkout after shopping.

I was a bit sceptical when I saw the promotional video, because it’s something new that nobody has tried out before.

Well, we shall see how it goes.

How does it work

The store is called Amazon Go and is located in Seattle.

Basically, it relies on cameras and sensors to track what you take from the shelves.

It also has the ability to track what you put back, which is just perfect for the indecisive ones out there.

The reason why it’s called a checkout-free store is because…it’s literally checkout-free!

Zero interactions, no nothing.

Image: WiffleGif

So how do customers pay? Good question.

To start shopping, customers have to download an Amazon Go app and scan the QR code while passing through a gated turnstile.

Image: reuters.com

Hundreds of cameras are mounted on the ceiling to track shoppers. Weight sensors in the shelves are able to determine the items taken, and put back.

Image: reuters.com

After shopping, customers walk past the gates again. The sensors will then charge the customer based on the items with them at the point of time.

Shoppers are charged via their credit cards that are linked to their account.

This is the part that I’m worried about. Are the sensors reliable? How accurate are they?

Image: Tenor GIF Keyboard

Gianna Puerini, vice president of Amazon Go, used an example.

Two near-identical Starbucks drinks next to each other on a shelf. One had light cream and the other had regular, and the sensors were able to differentiate them.


Advertisements
 

Well…that’s impressive.

It might all sound a ‘lil complicated, so watch this video to find out more:

Problems

The store went into a month-long test drive last December.

One of the challenges is incorrectly identifying shoppers with similar body types.

Also, children caused quite a scene as they misplaced the items.


Advertisements
 

Open to public

The store has officially opened the store to the public on Monday.

Image: IBTimes Singapore

Thoughts

Although this new concept is still quite foreign, I’m willing to give it a try, provided I’m in Seattle.

erm boss? work trip?

Anyways, Amazon has managed to target the worst thing to face after shopping: long checkout queues.

Technology at it’s best indeed.

Since you’re here, why not watch a video about a guy who lodged a Police report here in Singapore because he was friendzoned? Seriously. Here, watch it and do remember to share it (and also subscribe to Goody Feed YouTube channel)!


Advertisements
 

This article was first published on goodyfeed.com

Read Also

Do you love writing? Do you want a platform to showcase your works? Goody Feed is looking for part-time writers to join the team! Click here to find out more!

Featured image: reuters.com