Posted on 01/21/2018 9:03:33 AM PST by DUMBGRUNT
Amazon Go’s technology uses cameras throughout the store to track shoppers once they are inside, though it doesn’t use facial recognition, Mr. Kumar said. A customer entering the store scans his or her phone and then becomes represented internally as a 3-D object to the system. Cameras also are pointed at the shelves to determine interactions with goods.
Among the challenges for the technology was telling the difference between similar looking products—say containers of vanilla and regular yogurt. Adding to the complexity, when customers pick up products, they usually cover the distinguishing aspects of the label with their hands.
(Excerpt) Read more at wsj.com ...
Try it in Chicago, San Jose, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and see what happens.
I hope the concept takes off - of course accuracy will be key.
Among the challenges for the technology was telling the difference between similar looking products—say containers of vanilla and regular yogurt.
...or the difference in say Olde English 800 and Colt 45.
What if you don’t have a phone with you?
It is hell to contact Amazon for help with a gift card. I have a $30 gift card that I cannot redeem. I purchased it myself at the local supermarket. This is the 2nd time it happens. I am about to quit Amazon altogether.
Well then you steal one, of course.
Or you stand next to someone with a phone and shoplift.
Who even demanded this? Seems like unnecessary “innovation” for the sake of “innovation.”
I think Amazon will eventually be steamrollered by Walmart due to the big discrepancy in buying power. Walmart is constantly trying to find ways to use staff more efficiently. Amazon’s current attempt is one way of avoiding staffing issues by eliminating staff. It might work in a small store. Scaling it up to compete with Walmart will be difficult at best.
You may have just zoomed in on a strategic flaw of this system? Walk in close to a legitimate shopper (confederate?). Scoop up what you like, head for the door.
Like, smash and grab, without the smash.
The yutes will find a way to “appropriate “ these stores. The gibs are strong.
It’s a shame we’ll have a country soon where teenagers will have no chance of getting a little job. Minimum wage laws are destroying options.
they say it may make sense one day for Amazon to try to implement the technology more widely—either via additional Go stores or even in Whole Foods.
It's 2018. Who doesn't have a phone with them?
And I fully expect a multitude of FReepers to chime in that they never take their phones with them while they're out yelling at clouds.
Watch The Circle. It’s coming....
Who?
Those of us that dont enjoy lines, or interacting with cashiers.
I’m one of those people that only go to groceries with self-checkouts for that reason.
Teens haven't worked entry-level service jobs in 20 years.
When was the last time you saw a teenager working at McDonalds or as a cashier at JC Penney's?
Agreed.
There are many good and willing workers in the inner cities.
Even a crappy job provides a step up the ladder.
The crapholes of the inner city; are a parallel universe.
Worked with a gentleman that arrived very early in ‘ghetto clothes’, then changed into work attire every day.Reverse each evening.
He said that the wrong clothes made you an easy target.
A US Army Combat Vet of large proportions/ not fat.
Riding a bicycle 20+ miles most days to work, we shared a locker room.
Teenagers must learn to compete with robots. That’s the future. Pretty soon college graduates will have to do the same. Doctors and hospitals will be controlled by robots. Will it bring down medical costs? Then come the lawyers and Congressmen who will be replaced. And then the cops will be replaced. Brave New World is here. And then it is God’s turn to be replaced by a robot.
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