Amazon Web Services (AWS) has unveiled two innovative authentication solutions for its Amazon Just Walk Out technology, significantly enhancing its applicability across diverse retail environments. The new modular authentication pedestals empower retailers to utilize their chosen payment processors within Just Walk Out locations, offering the flexibility to swiftly add or remove authentication hardware in just a few hours to accommodate customer payment preferences. Additionally, the introduction of door authorization allows retailers to transform existing spaces with standard doors into Just Walk Out stores, eliminating the need for gate lanes. This not only reduces spatial requirements and construction expenses but also provides efficient control over store access.
The Just Walk Out technology leverages a blend of artificial intelligence, computer vision, sensors, and RFID to eradicate conventional checkout lines, resulting in a rapid and seamless shopping experience that boosts sales for retailers and decreases operational costs.
About Modular Authentication Pedestals
The modular authentication pedestals can be situated at store entrances or exits, allowing retailers to implement their preferred payment processors. This capability ensures that retailers can maintain their existing payment agreements and install card readers supported by their chosen payment providers within hours. This adaptability extends to various authentication methods, enabling retailers to customize the shopping experience according to customer needs. For instance, a retailer launching a grab-and-go store at a university could initially set up pedestals with QR code and credit card readers and later replace the QR readers with RFID badge readers for student authentication. Retailers can change their payment processor simply by replacing card readers without needing to adjust the authentication pedestals.
As part of this rollout, we are thrilled to collaborate with Adyen, a prominent global payment provider, and Shift4, a leading US payment processor in sports and hospitality. This partnership enhances payment flexibility for both retailers and shoppers. Notably, through the Adyen UK integration, Just Walk Out now accepts American Express transactions outside the US for the first time.
About Door Authorization
The door authorization feature allows retailers to convert existing door-equipped spaces into Just Walk Out stores more efficiently and cost-effectively. By connecting authentication pedestals to standard doors instead of traditional gate lanes, retailers can more readily integrate Just Walk Out technology into existing retail environments, operating 24/7 without the need for staff to check out customers. Shoppers simply authenticate their payment method at the door for access, enabling them to shop freely. The AI-driven technology automatically tracks items in each shopper’s virtual cart as they pick or return products. Upon completing their shopping, customers exit through the door and are billed for their purchases.
IONNA, a fast-charging network for electric vehicles, is set to provide secure access to its autonomous convenience stores via Just Walk Out’s door authentication.
“We aimed to deliver our charging customers a seamless and high-quality shopping experience at our IONNA Electric Vehicle Charging Stations,” stated Rebecca Sanders, Chief Technology Officer of IONNA. “The door authorization feature allowed us to swiftly convert a standard pre-fabricated structure into a Just Walk Out store, enabling us to deploy it at an IONNA Rechargery in record time. We are excited to launch our first three Rechargeries using Just Walk Out’s advanced technology in 2025.”
Extending Just Walk Out Technology Beyond Convenience
Beyond enhancing shopper convenience, Just Walk Out technology revolutionizes retail operations. By eliminating traditional checkout processes, retailers have witnessed significant gains in both revenue and operational efficiency across various sectors, including education and sports. For example, the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) implemented Just Walk Out and experienced a ~19% increase in peak shoppers served per hour, alongside an approximate 11% boost in overall guest numbers, reallocating ~30% of their labor to address other vital needs. The sports and entertainment sectors have similarly thrived, with Todd Harris, SVP of Digital Innovation at the Seattle Kraken, sharing enthusiastic feedback from fans.
“The fans love it, and they’re ecstatic,” he remarked. “One of the best comments I’ve seen is, ‘I got my beer in eight seconds!’”
Just Walk Out’s extensive network of certified partners facilitates a seamless transition for retailers, managing everything from project initiation and store design to procurement and installation, ensuring a swift and effective shift to autonomous retail supported by expert guidance throughout the process.
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