Amazon expands Just Walk Out technology to college campuses in stadiums

Amazon AMZN installation plans more from Just Walk Out technology at NFL stadiums and college campuses across the U.S. in the fall, the company said in a statement Tuesday.

The move is meant to help fans and university students “skip the checkout queue”, enabling quicker returns to venues or studies, the e-commerce giant said.

As part of the expansion, Amazon is adding six new stores at Lumen Field in Seattle, where it first launched the cashierless concept in 2022, and seven stores at Commanders Field near Washington, DC. Meanwhile, it’s opening its first store at Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium. With the additions, there are now more than 80 sports stadiums in the US, UK, Australia and Canada using the technology.

In higher education, Amazon has more than 30 university stores around the world that use the technology. This fall, students can expect to see tech shops on several new campuses:

• Emory University
• University of Maine
• Loyola University
• Endicott University
• Lindenwood University
• Ursinus College
• Texas Christian University (TCU)
• University of Virginia

What is Just Walk Out Tech?

Just Walk Out technology is Amazon’s AI-powered system that allows shoppers to pick up items and leave a store without going through traditional checkout lines. It uses sensors and computer vision to track purchases and automatically charge customers through their Amazon account. The technology is similar to that used in Dash carts, which Amazon has pushed for in the past it is not used to spy on buyers.

Amazon was introduced for the first time Just Walk Out technology in 2018 when it opened its Amazon Go store in Seattle. By 2019, the technology had expanded to additional locations, including grocery stores and third-party retailers. In 2024, it finally made its way to stadiums and college campuses, despite previous indications that it would be to be phased out of Amazon Fresh stores.