Amazon Go - Will checkout-free stores become mainstream?

Dear Steemit Friends,

It seems like all the talk and hype these days is around automation and how technology will simplify our life. Amazon recently opened its doors to the public for its first cashier-free store in Seattle, where the headquarters are located. This is another huge step forward in the realm of technology where we will one day all be completely reliant on computers and technology - as if we aren't already.

For those of you that haven't heard of Amazon Go, it is a cashier-free store where you can do your grocery shopping by walking in, grabbing, what you need, and walking out. There is no need to stand in long checkout lines waiting to pay. As you look around the store, the Amazon Go app continuously updates your checkout cart with everything you pick up and when you leave, tallies the total of everything you took out of the store with you and automatically bills your Amazon account for the items purchased.

Below is the promotional video for the store itself directly from Amazon which explains briefly how the process works

Very little is understood how this technology works, but it does work and is quite amazing and innovative. I'd imagine that to some people, it may feel a little weird since you are just walking in, taking what you want, and walking out without the physical act of paying. Consciously that feels like you got away stealing something, when in fact you are actually going to be billed and have to pay for what you walked out with. This technology is a good move forward to deter theft.

I'm sure the system isn't perfect yet and there probably will be occasions where items are not counted, however, that is why there are still Amazon employees located all throughout the store. The technology is new and what you will notice when you enter the store is that there are hundreds of cameras lining the ceiling. These partnered with the hundreds of sensors built into the shelves, enable the system to accurately determine what you are pulling off and/or putting back on the shelves. You are tracked as you enter the store by scanning your personal barcode from your Amazon Go app and as soon as you leave the store and are billed for your goods are sent a copy of your itemized receipt. The technology is said to be similar to that of self-driving cars.

Some people feel nervous about this step forward in technology given that it tracks your movements, your buying habits, and your information. With privacy being of such huge concerns these days, some people feel this is crossing a boundary. I myself am pretty hyped about it. I own a Google Home, I have an Echo, and I am always trying to find ways to simplify daily tasks. I think automation leads the way to allow us to focus on the more important things in our life.

What are your thoughts? Is this something you are excited about? Will we see more stores following in the footsteps of Amazon Go? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below and If you do have any questions, inputs, or feedback, please also share those with me. I would also appreciate support in the form of Upvoting, Following, and Re-steeming my post if you found it informative.

I'll be in Seattle next month and I hope to share with you some first-hand footage when I visit the Amazon Go store in person. Keep checking back for updates!

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Image Sources: [1] [2]

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