Major UK supermarket chain launches AI-powered trolleys with touchscreens to ‘stay on budget’ in first move of its kind

A MAJOR supermarket has introduced AI-powered trolleys in a first-of-its-kind launch in the UK. Customers will be able to test out these upgraded trolleys from today, which include features such as a touchscreen and an automatic weighing scale. Supermarket giant Morrisons has introduced AI-smart trolleys to a number of customers Credit: Morrisons The launch is a first-of-its-kind in the UK, previously finding success in the US and Australia Credit: Morrisons Morrisons has introduced AI-powered smart trolleys to a supermarket in Preston, offering customers this technology for the first time in the UK. The supermarket has partnered with American company Instacart, which has rolled out its Caper Carts in Aldi, Costco, and other major retailers in 100s of US and Australian cities. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Now, a select few customers in Preston will be able to test out these trolleys, including all the perks that hope to make shopping more efficient. The smart trolleys boast a number of practical features, such as automatically recognising products when they are placed inside, as well as weighing fresh produce on the spot. Featuring a touchscreen, the trolleys keep a running basket total, helping customers stay on budget when they shop. It can also make relevant product recommendations based on the items selected, and let shoppers scan Morrisons More Cards to access loyalty savings and promotions throughout. For a quicker experience, customers will be able to bag their items as they shop, then simply scan the barcode displayed on the trolley’s screen to complete payment. When Morrisons first announced that it would introduce these trolleys to shoppers, many were sceptical, with some uncertain how the included anti-theft measures would actually work. Most read in Money One shopper branded the scheme as “scan as you slop”, and another sarcastically said: “I’m sure the local community will treat these with respect and care”. Nevertheless, the supermarket has shared positivity about the new launch, with Gordon Macpherson, productivity director at Morrisons, saying the tech will make shopping “easier, more rewarding, and more enjoyable”. The trolleys are able to track items and create a running cost by simply putting them inside Credit: Morrisons Shoppers in its Preston branch will be able to try out the Instacart trolleys from today Credit: Morrisons He continued: “Caper smart trolleys do exactly that, giving customers real-time visibility of their spending, instant access to their More Card savings, and a more seamless experience in the aisle.” David McIntosh, chief connected stores officer at Instacart, further commented: “We’re proud to bring this to the UK for the first time through our partnership with Morrisons, who share our belief that technology should make the weekly shop not just easier, but genuinely more enjoyable.” Shoppers who visit Morrisons in Preston will be able to trial the AI-powered smart trolleys from today. Comment now