Morrisons has launched a UK-first trial of AI-powered shopping trolleys at its Preston Riversway store, in partnership with technology firm Instacart. Approximately 30 'Caper Carts' are available to members of the supermarket's loyalty scheme. The trolleys use edge AI cameras and sensors to recognise items instantly, with integrated scales weighing loose produce, while a digital touchscreen displays a running total and applies personalised offers.
However, the rollout has drawn criticism from shoppers and staff on social media. One person wrote on Reddit: "Seems to me they would rather invest in anything other than their staff!" Another, who appeared to be an employee, added: "So we can't afford to have two members of staff on so I have to lone work in a daily but we afford AI trolleys, need to sort their priorities out." A Morrisons representative said: "This is a small scale trial in a single store. We continue to invest across our business, recently agreeing a new pay deal for our supermarket colleagues and doubling the store maintenance budget."
The trial represents a departure for Morrisons, which - unlike Tesco, Sainsbury's and Waitrose - has not previously offered a handheld 'Scan & Go' system. Instead, it has integrated the technology directly into the trolley. According to figures released by Instacart, customers using smart trolleys spend on average 32% more and remain in the store 23% longer, as the screens promote multi-buy offers and new products.
The move comes amid a major cost-cutting programme under chief executive Rami Baitiéh. In April 2026, Morrisons launched a consultation to cut around 200 jobs at its Hilmore House headquarters in Bradford, affecting nearly 10% of the site's workforce. Management linked the head office redundancies to a long-term overhaul aimed at automating manual tasks using data and artificial intelligence.
Other recent restructuring steps include a March 2026 merge of convenience store and supermarket buying teams, which put 100 roles at risk, and a 'small number' of redundancies in its Nutmeg clothing and homeware brand as the division relocates to Warrington. In May 2026, the chain also announced plans to close 100 loss-making convenience stores, with hundreds of shop workers facing redundancy consultations.
