The very same technology used in cashierless stores are used with self-driving cars, namely computer vision, sensor fusion and deep learning. A fine example is of course AmazonGo stores which provide no cashiers at check out. All that is required is an app that is downloaded and installed to a smartphone, Android and iOS compatible. Once the app is installed, the user must create an account that is linked with a payment method. Then the user merely enters the store by tapping their smartphone with the app open at a sensor located at the store’s entrance. Once the account has been identified as valid, a virtual shopping cart is created and tracks the items the user has taken from the store.
Computer Vision aka Machine Vision in EE parlance makes use of visioning systems like cameras to detect objects and items. In this case it is your face and the items you take from the shelf or counter. The cameras track your movement throughout the store, so it knows what items you took for billing purposes.
Sensor fusion is a combination of various sensors that use RFID and other mechanisms to track your items. For example when you pull a delicious vegan salad from the shelf, an RFID sensor detects the item has been pulled out and the camera tracks it to your face which is associated with your account. Other sensors can track the weight of an item you purchased and most important, the quantity of items you took. All this data is then fed into your virtual shopping cart.
Deep Learning is an AI technique that allows software to learn your habits and spending patterns. This means the next time you go to the store, the system will know you better and anticipate what you will buy. It may also make suggestions to you via the app by informing you of items on sale that you likely would purchase. If the app knows you prefer gluten free bread, and the item is out of stock, you will likely know ahead of time while shopping and the app would suggest you another brand or a store that has that item.
At this point, the user can continue shopping. When they are done, do what Amazon says “Just Walk Out”. I hope it is that pleasant and not like “Get Out!”