[discostu]

AI can figure out the barcode just fine. They’re running into a problem with FINDING where the barcode is. And Amazon is figuring out that the level of object recognition they’d have to program into the AI to figure out where the barcode is would just let the AI know what the object is without bothering to find the barcode. If the AI can figure out “this is object X and therefore the barcode is here” you don’t actually need it to do anything after X, the AI already knows what it’s got, forget the barcode.

[who_would_fardels_bear]

If they want to keep track of exactly what the product is, don't they need to search for a serial number or the exact wording on the package?

Some products have packaging that is identical except for an S, M, or L for size or an added 'X' to suggest a premium version of a product.

[CurlyDave]

AI can figure out the barcode just fine. They’re running into a problem with FINDING where the barcode is. And Amazon is figuring out that the level of object recognition they’d have to program into the AI to figure out where the barcode is would just let the AI know what the object is without bothering to find the barcode. If the AI can figure out “this is object X and therefore the barcode is here” you don’t actually need it to do anything after X, the AI already knows what it’s got, forget the barcode.

I don't think you are right. Think about different sized items that all come in one size of box. Shoes for example. The AI knows it is a shoebox, but the size, style and color of the shoes inside is on the bar code.

[Garth Tater]

Thank you. Concise and well stated.