MICROSOFT WORKS ON AUTOMATED CHECKOUT TOOLS

Microsoft is working on automated checkout technology that could help retailers compete with Amazon’s new cashier-less stores.

Ava Retail, a firm building automated checkout systems, said Thursday that it is working with Microsoft on the technology for physical stores.

Both companies have headquarters in Redmond, Wash.

Ava Retail CEO Atul Hirpara said Microsoft could become a leader in the field because it has a strong cloud-computing platform. That technology would power the retail system by pulling in data from in-store cameras or sensors.

Microsoft declined comment Thursday.

Amazon opened its first cashierless Amazon Go store in Seattle this year and plans more locations in Chicago and San Francisco. Overhead cameras and other technology help keep track of customers and what they’re buying.