Morrisons has introduced a major change to its shopping trolleys by trialling AI-powered smart carts at its Preston store. These futuristic trolleys, supplied by US technology company Instacart, are equipped with touchscreens, sensors, cameras, and built-in scales to identify and weigh products as they are added, automatically calculating the total cost of the shop.
How the AI Trolleys Work
The smart carts are designed to streamline the shopping experience. Customers can place items inside, and the trolley's technology recognises the products, weighs fresh produce, and tallies the cost in real time. The screen is linked to Morrisons More loyalty cards, allowing for personalised offers and easy payment. Once shopping is complete, the trolley generates a barcode that can be scanned at a self-checkout to finalise the transaction.
Customer Concerns and Anti-Theft Features
While the trial has generated excitement, some UK shoppers have expressed concerns on social media about potential theft and vandalism. Reddit users speculated that the trolleys might be stolen or damaged, with one commenting, "They'll be stolen, broken, in the canal in a few days." In response, Morrisons confirmed that the trolleys include anti-theft features. If a customer attempts to leave the store without paying, the trolley flashes red to alert staff. Instacart also stated that the carts are weatherproof and can be stored like standard supermarket trolleys.
Future Rollout Plans
Gordon Macpherson, Productivity Director at Morrisons, expressed enthusiasm about the innovation: "We're constantly looking for ways to bring innovation to the weekly shop to enhance the experience for our customers. We're excited about bringing the first fully-integrated AI-powered trolleys in the UK to a first store soon, and look forward to testing customer response." The trial, first announced last year, could lead to a wider rollout across the country if successful. Similar smart trolleys are already used by major US retailers like Kroger, Aldi, and Coles, marking this as the first UK trial of its kind.
