Skip the line with the Market at Towers’ new AI upgrades

The University of Pittsburgh will collaborate with Transact Campus and Chartwell’s Higher Education to bring Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology to a convenience store on the Pittsburgh campus. The Market at Towers will install Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, allowing guests a fast and frictionless way to shop.

“As one of the first universities in the United States to integrate Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology into its on-campus retail environment, Pitt is elevating the student experience by making shopping at The Market at Towers faster, easier and more convenient,” said Matthew Sterne, vice chancellor of business services at Pitt. “This collaboration enhances our ongoing efforts to leverage innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our campus community."

To use the upgrades, scan your Transact Mobile Ordering app at the entrance, enter The Market and start shopping. Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology will detect what you take from or return to the shelves, and create a virtual shopping session. After shopping, simply leave the store — the Transact Mobile app will automatically deduct the total from your available campus funds, including Dining Dollars, Panther Funds and Pitt Cash.

“We are excited to collaborate with Pitt to introduce Amazon's Just Walk Out technology. Transact’s goal is to redefine the student experience by eliminating checkout lines and accelerating transaction speed,” said Laura Newell-McLaughlin, executive vice president and general manager of integrated payments and campus commerce at Transact. “With the integration of Transact Mobile Ordering for store entry and payments, we’re taking significant strides in streamlining daily campus life for both students and faculty.”

Amazon’s Just Walk Out Technology uses artificial intelligence such as computer vision and deep learning techniques, including generative AI, to accurately determine who took what in any retail environment. It will also allow the Market at Towers to be staffed as usual and operate partially unattended, 24 hours a day.

The new technology integration is part of Pitt’s multimillion-dollar renovation of its main dining facility. Together with its on-campus dining partner Chartwells Higher Education, Pitt is transforming The Eatery into an innovative dining facility, boasting nine dining concepts and state-of-the-art integrations designed to offer Pitt students an exceptional dining experience.

“Our vision for Pitt Eats includes a robust suite of emerging technologies and industry-leading food service innovations,” said Quintin Eason, vice president of operations at Pitt Eats. “We are proud to collaborate with Amazon as they aid in our vision of a best-in-class dining program.”

The new dining concepts will offer made-to-order menu items that include custom specialties such as handmade pasta, global culinary favorites, Halal-certified proteins, and more.

The renovation will be completed in phases to ensure The Eatery remains open to serve the campus community. Dining concepts will go offline and be reactivated in segments throughout the academic year. The entire project is slated for completion in Fall 2024. Find more information on The Eatery renovation project timeline, what to expect during construction, real-time updates, teaser videos and more.