Morrisons is set to introduce a new automatic anti-theft measure across its stores, expanding a trial of AI-powered shopping trolleys that began in Lancashire. The supermarket chain, which has locations in Birmingham, first introduced the high-tech carts last year.
How the AI Trolleys Work
The carts are equipped with touchscreens, sensors, and built-in scales, allowing customers to scan items as they shop, weigh fruit and vegetables directly in the trolley, and track their total bill in real time. To complete a purchase, shoppers scan the barcode on the trolley's screen at the store's self-checkout area.
Customer Reactions
The move has drawn mixed responses from shoppers. One customer commented sarcastically: "Oh goody. I'm sure the local community will treat these with respect and care." Another simply said: "No thanks. Never." A third predicted that shoplifters would be "trying to sneak things into the bottom of the trolley."
Company Statements
Gordon Macpherson, productivity director of Morrisons, said: "We're constantly looking for ways to bring innovation to the weekly shop to enhance the experience for our customers, and the cutting-edge technology of Caper Carts brings the best of digital and physical retail together in-store. 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 and building understanding of how the technology works within the Morrisons store estate."
David McIntosh, chief connected stores officer at Instacart, added: "As we continue to expand internationally, we're thrilled to partner with Morrisons to bring Caper Carts to the UK for the first time. Retailers like Morrisons are transforming the in-store shopping experience with new technologies such as Caper Carts that help customers shop faster, easier and in more inspiring ways while deepening loyalty along the way."
