Navigating Financial and Regulatory Challenges: How Businesses can Gradually Implement the ‘Just Walk Out’ System

Businesses face significant financial challenges when implementing novel technology like the “just walk out” system, which requires upfront costs such as cameras, computing devices, and weighted shelving. Even deep-pocketed companies like Amazon may find it difficult to invest in this technology due to its ongoing evolution and improvement from an AI perspective.

Furthermore, regulatory risks must be taken into account when adopting systems like “just walk out.” Tobacco and alcohol sales, as well as the perception of replacing human labor, can complicate the implementation process and require buy-in from government stakeholders at all levels.

To overcome these challenges, a more gradual approach to automating retail locations may be more effective. Arcaro suggests that businesses take advantage of existing ecosystems of automated checkouts and related technology, which have already made strides in the industry. Over time, barriers to entry are likely to decrease as technology continues to advance.