But Target and Walmart reportedly don't plan to participate at this point. Dent has access to some of the technologies that enable Amazon to operate its Go stores, which feature autonomous checkout, and already works with technology solutions firm Marvell Technology Group and networking software provider Cumulus Networks. The open source nature of Dent means that firms that download Amazon's software can use it as they like without collaborating directly with Amazon.
Amazon likely has several motivations for wanting to work alongside retail rivals on in-store technology: Collaborating with retailers can help Amazon expand its brick-and-mortar reach. Amazon has already started its Just Walk Out technology to third-party retailers, and working with merchants through Dent could create similar partnerships. Notably, Amazon reportedly charges a fee for its Just Walk Out tech, per the Journal, potentially differentiating it from Dent.
Introducing its tech to more stores might help Amazon better train its tech so that it can scale more quickly in the future. Autonomous checkout technology uses computer vision, which employs AI to track consumers and products in-store — and it can potentially improve as it gets more practice.