Students at Bowling Green State University the first in Ohio to have access to “Just Walk Out” technology in campus store

Bowling Green State University launched a new feature on campus on January 8: students who shop at The Market on Carillon Place can Just Walk Out without stopping at a register first.

According to an article on Bowling Green State University’s website, Jon Zachrich, who serves as the Director of Marketing, Communication, and Technology at BGSU Dining, was quoted as saying of the new technology on campus, "At Bowling Green State University, we are committed to enhancing the learning community experience through innovation and cutting-edge technology. The Amazon Just Walk Out technology-powered store provides students, faculty and staff with a convenient and efficient shopping experience. We are excited to be at the forefront of this transformative retail technology."

Bowling Green State University is the first university in Ohio to have Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology on campus. The school collaborated with Amazon, Chartwell's Higher Education, and Transact Campus to make it possible. The Transact Mobile Ordering app is one of two options for payment for students who wish to shop at The Market on Carillon. The other option is to swipe a debit or credit card before shopping. Either option is a requirement to enter the store and to shop. The Market on Carillon offers snacks, drinks, and other typical convenience store fare.

Artificial intelligence tracks what shoppers pick up during their shopping trip and charges the customers’ chosen payment option upon their departure from the store. This eliminates long lines, as students won’t need to stop and pay at a cash register; they can simply leave the store with their items when they’re done shopping.

Arun Ahuja, who is the senior vice president and general manager of campus commerce at Transact Campus, commented on the new store and its technology, saying, "We are thrilled that BGSU has introduced Just Walk Out, a groundbreaking advancement in campus convenience. Students at BGSU can now enjoy a frictionless and time-saving journey through campus, further exemplifying our dedication to shaping the future of campus life."

While at first glance it seems like the introduction of clerk-less convenience stores may take away students’ on-campus employment opportunities, the school points out that this new technology will open up doors for students to take jobs in customer service or retail technology.

This isn’t Bowling Green State University’s first foray into introducing new technology on campus in order to provide more seamless experiences for students. Last year, the school introduced autonomous robots to deliver food to students through an app via collaboration with Starship Technologies.

For more information about Bowling Green State University, visit the school’s website.