In this updated version of the Just Walk Out system, Amazon is implementing radio frequency identification (RFID) where every item in the store will be equipped with a unique RFID tag. When a customer takes an item from the shelf and leaves the store, the tag will be read by an RFID reader, automatically charging the purchase amount to their credit card.
Previously, Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology used cameras mounted on the store’s ceiling to track what items customers picked up. Avery Dennison, a company specializing in material science and digital identification, developed the new RFID technology.
It’s a significant upgrade to Walk Out, and if retailers decide to adopt the technology, it could become more widespread. Previously, it has been used mainly in grocery stores and convenience stores.
Since launching in 2018, Amazon has gradually rolled out Walk Out to various stores, including Fresh supermarkets and some Whole Foods stores. Amazon is also making the technology available to third-party retailers at airports, stadiums, theme parks and other locations.
Amazon is also testing the new Just Walk Out system using RFID at its Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle and at Lumen Field, the home stadium of the Seattle Seahawks team in the National Football League.
