Online giant Amazon has opened a convenience store in Seattle, US, where hungry customers will be able to grab sandwiches and leave, without having to wait in line or use a checkout. So how does it work?
People armed with the app are able to scan their smartphone with the Amazon Go app at a turnstile, pick up items as they roam the store and place them directly in their bags — without the need for shopping carts or baskets.
Instead, items are automatically added onto a customer’s online account when they’re removed from a shelf, or taken off if the item is put back and they are not charged for it.
By combining computer vision, machine learning algorithms and sensors, the online retail giant can tell what people have purchased, and then charges their Amazon account.
The store is not without employees — Amazon says there will be people there making food, stocking shelves and helping customers.
The store will offer ready-to-eat breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks, as well as some staples like bread, milk, cheese and chocolates.
The shop adds to Amazon’s growing physical store presence and shows their drive towards continuous innovation that disrupts the already saturated market.
