Amazon Smart Fridge: Tracking Inventory & Future of Kitchen Tech

Amazon's Potential Entry into the Smart Refrigerator Market

Reports indicate that Amazon is exploring the possibility of extending its cashierless technology, currently utilized in Amazon Go stores, into the domestic sphere – specifically, your kitchen.

According to information obtained by Insider, the company is developing a smart refrigerator capable of inventory monitoring. This appliance would proactively assist users in reordering items as supplies diminish.

Development and Team Involvement

The project, reportedly underway for a minimum of two years, is being spearheaded by the team responsible for the Just Walk Out technology found in Amazon Go locations.

This technology functions by tracking the items selected by shoppers and automatically processing payment upon their departure. Personnel from both the Amazon Fresh and Lab126 hardware divisions are also contributing to the refrigerator’s development.

Manufacturing and Potential Features

Amazon is not anticipated to manufacture the refrigerators directly. Instead, the company intends to collaborate with an established appliance manufacturer.

Integration of Alexa voice control is being considered, though it isn’t currently a primary focus. However, given Amazon’s history of incorporating Alexa into a wide range of products, including home robotics and televisions, its inclusion remains a strong possibility.

Investment and Market Uncertainty

To date, Amazon has reportedly invested over $50 million annually into this project. Despite this significant financial commitment, the refrigerator’s eventual release remains uncertain.

The company may ultimately decide to discontinue development. Should the refrigerator reach the market, it is expected to be a premium-priced appliance.

An Amazon representative declined to comment on the reports, stating the company does not address rumors or speculation.

Existing Smart Refrigerator Concepts

The concept of a smart refrigerator is not entirely novel. Samsung previously unveiled a refrigerator in 2016 featuring inventory tracking and grocery ordering capabilities via a built-in touchscreen.

Amazon’s proposed refrigerator aims to advance this concept by automatically identifying items nearing depletion and facilitating reordering through Amazon’s grocery services.