Amazon’s New Grocery Store Has No Checkout; Shoppers Grab What They Want And Pay Later

Amazon is causing quite the buzz in Seattle, unveiling a new grocery store with the motto: “No lines. No Checkout. (No, Seriously.)”

The store, aptly named Amazon Go, is a 1800-square-foot retail space where shoppers are able to grab whatever items they need and pay later; their orders are charged directly to their Amazon accounts when they leave the store.

“We created the world’s most advanced shopping technology so you never have to wait in line,” writes Amazon. “With our Just Walk Out Shopping experience, simply use the Amazon Go app to enter the store, take the products you want, and go!”

What is this sorcery, you ask?

Amazon explains the store uses computer vision and sensors to detect what items people are taking. Customers scan an app when they enter the store and carry on shopping (as they normally would), while sensors identify the items they’re taking. Their Amazon accounts are automatically billed once they leave the store.

Basically, it will totally feel like shoplifting, but like, not at all. The store will be flooded with cameras and sensors, so you’re under a very watchful eye.

“On the consumer level, the benefits are obvious – no waiting in line or fussing around with self-checking machines,” writes the Verge.

However, it’s been noted that the technology will allow Amazon to potentially track customer browsing habits. Combining this with Amazon.com browsing activities, the company could potentially dish up more recommended products and targeted product placements.

Not to mention the other (more obvious) concern: doing away with human cashiers, and possibly other typically human-reserved jobs.

The Verge assures that nothing has been revealed yet about robots physically stocking the store, so it looks like we’re winning the battle against robotic automation (for now).

Amazon Go will officially open in early 2017, but at the moment it’s only open in beta to Amazon employees.

Photo: YouTube (@Amazon)