CIT launches checkout-free store – Our Canberra
Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) is the first educational institution in the Southern Hemisphere to use this technology.
Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology uses artificial intelligence to determine what shoppers take or return on the shelves.
Computer vision and deep learning technologies simplify the shopping experience by eliminating checkout lines, helping students get in and out quickly.
This technology uses synthetic datasets that simulate millions of real-life shopping scenarios to ensure accuracy in almost any environment.
Professional services firm Cognizant helped provide solution integration to ensure seamless payment options for students.
At YalaPlus, students enter the store using their credit card or mobile wallet at the entry gate.
Amazon Just Walk Out technology then detects what they take from or return to the shelves and creates a virtual shopping session.
When students complete their shopping, they can leave the store without waiting in line, and their credit card is charged for the items they take.
Andrew Scotford, chief executive of CIT Students’ Union, said the innovative stores would create an improved and more flexible student experience.
“Amazon Just Walk Out technology will benefit all students, especially those studying outside normal working hours,” he said.
“Many ICT students balance work, study and training, so flexibility and accessibility are important to them.
“48 students also live on the CIT Bruce Campus and do not have easy access to nearby shopping. YalaPlus now provides easy access to products such as food, beverages and other essential items.
Now in its 95th year, the institute is entering an exciting era of progress, says Christine Robertson, interim chief executive of the IT Institute.
“CIT will open a new, state-of-the-art, digitally connected campus at Woden CIT in 2025, but innovation can’t wait. We are committed to upgrading our existing facilities and experiences for students and staff,” she said.
The Students’ Union also plans to open two additional stores on the CIT campus, in Fyshwick and in Bruce, in early 2024.
Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium is home to two other sites using this technology in Australia.
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