Sam's Club now using AI to check receipts at more than 120 stores. Here's how it works
BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Sam's Club is now using artificial intelligence and a new camera system to scan customers' receipts at the door, instead of having employees check them.
The company, which is owned by Walmart, announced on Monday that it has deployed the AI-powered technology at more than 120 Sam's Club locations nationwide.
The technology was unveiled in January during the Walmart keynote at CES 2024 in Las Vegas.
Todd Garner, the chief product officer for Sam's Club, said the goal for the new exit archways is to get you in and out of the club quicker.
So, how exactly does it work? After a customer pays for their items at a register or through the Scan & Go mobile app, they can leave the store and the AI-powered system will capture images of their cart at the exit. It will also verify whether all the items in the basket have been paid for.
"When we combine this technology with our Scan & Go shopping experience, it provides a near friction-free shopping experience," Garner said. "The member can simply walk out, and that's a big differentiated experience from what we had historically."
Garner said the new exit experience was added due to club member feedback.
Sam's Club said that the technology will help customers leave 23% faster.
The company also said it plans to have the technology in all of its clubs by the end of 2024.