'Pick Your Items, Pay Automatically'... Amazon Opens Cashierless Unmanned Store

Integrating Camera Sensor and Algorithm Technology

Automatic Billing with Registered Cards Without the Need to Queue at Checkout

Amazon Plans to License 'Go' Technology in the Future

▲An employee is examining items using a wireless terminal at Amazon's first large-scale unmanned grocery store, 'Amazon Go Grocery.' [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jaehee] Amazon has opened its cashier-less grocery store, 'Amazon Go Grocery.' While Amazon has previously operated convenience stores using unmanned technology called 'Amazon Go,' it has improved camera and algorithm technology to enable application in large-scale stores. Amazon plans to sell this technology in a licensing format.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 25th (local time), the largest U.S. e-commerce company Amazon opened its first offline grocery store, 'Amazon Go Grocery,' in Seattle, where its headquarters are located.

There are no employees responsible for checkout at Amazon Go Grocery. Customers do not need to queue to purchase items, nor do they need to scan barcodes themselves for payment. Customers simply pick up the displayed items. Instead, cameras and sensors installed throughout the store automatically charge the registered card via a smartphone app when the customer leaves the store.

Although Amazon has expanded offline stores, it has not translated into actual profits. In the fourth quarter of last year, sales from the offline store segment were $4.4 billion (approximately 5.35 trillion KRW), a 1% decrease compared to the previous year.

Nevertheless, Amazon opened offline stores to sell the patented 'Go' technology rather than groceries. Amazon explained that it opened the showroom to sell the 'Go' technology to retailers.

WSJ reported, citing company officials, that Amazon is negotiating with potential partners to sell this system, targeting convenience stores and retail shops in airports and sports stadiums.

Amazon is considering providing Amazon Go store technology either by receiving a lump-sum payment or sharing revenue. However, WSJ reported that Amazon avoided specific comments on how much it will expand Amazon Go Grocery stores or which companies it will provide this technology to.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.