AWS for Industries: Enhanced Amazon Just Walk Out Authentication
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced two new authentication products for its Amazon Just Walk Out technology, making it accessible to a broader range of retailers. These advancements include modular authentication pedestals and door authorization, offering greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness for businesses.
Modular Authentication Pedestals
The newly introduced modular authentication pedestals offer retailers the ability to use their preferred payment processors within Just Walk Out stores. These pedestals can be placed at store entrances or exits, enabling retailers to maintain existing payment terms and quickly install card readers supported by their chosen processors. This flexibility also extends to the authentication hardware itself, allowing retailers to tailor the setup to various shopper needs. For instance, venues could switch from QR code and credit card readers to RFID badge readers for student IDs or easily change payment processors by swapping card readers.
As part of this launch, AWS is integrating with Adyen and Shift4, leading payment providers. The Adyen UK integration now supports American Express outside of the US, a first for Just Walk Out. Levy, a restaurant and hospitality company, has already implemented these modular authentication pedestals in its new locations.
“We’ve used Just Walk Out’s modular authentication pedestals in our newest locations, making it fast and simple to get the stores up and running. We were able to get the authentication pedestals installed and operating within days. Plus, our customers have been delighted by the simple entry experience, finding it intuitive and easy to enter our stores,” said Harry Ridley, Head of Technology, Levy.
Door Authorization
Door authorization allows retailers to transform existing spaces with standard doors into Just Walk Out stores, reducing footprint requirements and construction costs. This system connects authentication pedestals to the door instead of gate lanes, enabling 24/7 operation without the need for checkout staff. Shoppers authenticate their payment method at the door and then shop freely, with the AI-powered technology automatically tracking items. Upon exiting, shoppers are charged for their purchases.
IONNA, a fast-charging network for electric vehicles, will use door authorization for secure access to their autonomous convenience stores.
“Door authorization meant we could take a standard pre-fabricated structure, convert it into a Just Walk Out store, and deploy at an IONNA Rechargery in record time… Ultimately, we chose to work with Just Walk Out over other providers because Amazon provided the right technology, scale, reliability, and joint vision of the future that others couldn’t,” –Ricardo Stamatti, Chief Product Officer of IONNA.
Extending Just Walk Out Technology
Beyond streamlining the shopping experience, Just Walk Out technology is designed to transform how retailers operate. By eliminating traditional checkout lines, businesses in sectors such as education and sports have seen improvements in both sales and operations. For instance, the University of California San Diego (UCSD) implemented Just Walk Out and experienced a 19% increase in peak shoppers served per hour and reallocated about 30% of their labor to support other needs. The Seattle Kraken also reported positive feedback from fans. According to Todd Humphrey, SVP of Digital Innovation and Fan Experience for the Seattle Kraken, fans have expressed great satisfaction with the speed and convenience of the system.
Just Walk Out’s network of certified partners provides retailers with support, from project management and store design to procurement and installation.
