Global professional services company Cognizant has pioneered the introduction of Amazon’s Just Walk Out (JWO) technology at Canberra Institute of Technology's Student Association (CITSA) store, Caf Yala Plus, marking the first use of this technology within the educational sphere in the Southern Hemisphere.
This significant technological advancement is set to revolutionize the retail experience, permitting students to freely enter the on-campus store, purchase their desired items and leave - without the need for a physical checkout process. It's an innovation aimed at maintaining consumer safety in today's increasingly contactless world, and is particularly useful given the absence of close-by shopping alternatives for students, the company states.
The role of Cognizant in this project involved systems integration and payments support for Amazon’s innovative JWO technology. This unobtrusive retail system promises to provide a fast, queue-free retail experience for the city's students, especially those studying beyond conventional business hours. Andrew Scotford, CEO of the CIT Student Association, commented on its launch, stating, "Many CIT students balance work, study, and training, so flexibility and accessibility are important."
Amazon's JWO technology's incorporation into more Australian educational institutions is seen as a significant growth opportunity for Cognizant. It allows the tech giant to showcase new capabilities within a sector that's predicted to expand rapidly. Cognizant’s objective is in line with introducing technology solutions that enhance customer experiences, support swift growth, and reduce the likelihood of technological misalignment.
A high-tech blend of artificial intelligence, computer vision, and deep learning powers the frictionless shopping experience promised by JWO tech. Rob Marchiori, Head of Australia at Cognizant, expressed his excitement regarding this collaboration: "By automating the checkout process, the Student Association can offer almost 24-hour access to store resources that students need to stay focused on their studies."
Meanwhile, Jon Jenkins, Vice President of Just Walk Out technology at Amazon, conveyed his delight for collaborating with CIT's Student Association, bringing JWO technology to Caf Yala Plus, "a first-of-its-kind implementation in a higher education institution in the Southern Hemisphere."
As Amazon’s innovative Just Walk Out technology makes a significant impact on the retail industry in Australia, it is paving the way for a new era of seamless shopping experiences, poised to extend beyond education into wider retail sectors.
CIT has a history of providing technical and further education in the ACT and surrounding area. Today, it trains around 20,000 students each year, touching more lives post- secondary school than any other tertiary education institution in the ACT. Offering apprenticeships and certificate level training through to diplomas and graduate certificates, CIT offers various training pathways.