Amazon's supermarket with no checkout lines opens in the US

Amazon has opened its first supermarket without checkout lines for shoppers. Amazon Go, the service is implemented in Seattle, the US has been in testing for the past year. The service uses an array of ceiling mounted cameras to identify each customer and track what items they select, eliminating the need for billing.

Before entering, shoppers must scan the Amazon Go smartphone app. Sensors on the shelves add items to the bill as customers pick them up - and deletes any they put back. Purchases made are billed to customers credit card when they leave the store.

The convenience-style store opened to Amazon employees on December 5, 2016, in a test phase. At the time, Amazon said it expected members of the public could begin using the store in early 2017.

The goal of Amazon Go is to provide fast, fresh and affordable food for busy shoppers. The company hopes to help consumers move away from processed and frozen goods when they’re in a time crunch. Amazon Go shoppers can browse a variety of ready-made meals and Amazon Meal Kits to take home everything they need to enjoy quality, chef-prepared food in 30 minutes or less.

Amazon Go's launch represents the beginning of Amazon's first phase of consumer testing. If all goes well, Amazon might be launching few more stores in the coming months.