Morrisons has become the first UK retailer to introduce Instacart's AI-powered Caper smart trolleys, launching the touchscreen-equipped carts at a store in Preston, Lancashire. The trial, which also extends to shoppers across the wider county, marks Instacart's inaugural retail partnership in the UK.
How the Caper smart trolley works
The Caper trolley is designed to bring the convenience and intelligence of online shopping directly into the physical store. It automatically recognises items as they are placed into the trolley, including weighing fresh produce on the spot. This eliminates the need to stop at a separate scale or checkout counter to weigh fruit and vegetables.
Shoppers can bag their groceries as they move through the aisles, reducing the time spent at the till. The trolley's touchscreen displays a running basket total, helping customers keep track of their spending in real time and stay on budget. It also offers relevant product recommendations based on the items already selected, effectively acting as a personal shopping assistant.
Seamless loyalty and checkout experience
One of the standout features is the integration with Morrisons' More Card loyalty scheme. Customers can scan their card directly on the trolley's screen at the start of their shop, instantly unlocking personalised promotions and savings throughout the store. This means discounts are applied automatically without the need to present coupons or vouchers at the checkout.
When the shopper has finished, they simply scan the barcode displayed on the trolley's screen at a dedicated Caper checkout lane to complete payment. The process removes the traditional scanning-and-packing routine, allowing for a more streamlined and frictionless exit from the store.
Why Morrisons is trialling the technology
The launch comes as consumers increasingly seek technology that helps them shop more efficiently while staying within budget. A growing number of shoppers are also looking to rediscover the joy of browsing the aisles, and the Caper trolley aims to enhance that experience rather than replace it.
According to David McIntosh, Chief Connected Stores Officer at Instacart, the trolleys represent a new era for grocery retail. "Caper smart trolleys represent a new era for in-store grocery shopping - one where the physical store is as intelligent and personalised as the best online experience," he said. "Customers want technology that helps them stay on budget and discover products they love, and Caper smart trolleys deliver both, directly in the aisle. 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."
Morrisons: Putting customers first
Gordon Macpherson, Productivity Director at Morrisons, echoed that sentiment, emphasising the retailer's commitment to improving the shopping trip. "Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we're always looking for ways to make their weekly shop easier, more rewarding, and more enjoyable, to give them more reasons to shop at Morrisons," he said. "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."
Macpherson also confirmed that Morrisons is proud to be the first UK retailer to bring this technology to customers, and said the company is looking forward to seeing how shoppers in Preston and across Lancashire respond to the innovative trolleys during the in-store trial.
What this means for the future of grocery shopping
The introduction of Caper smart trolleys in the UK signals a significant shift in how supermarkets are approaching in-store technology. While online grocery shopping offers convenience and personalisation, physical stores are now adopting similar tools to compete. The trial will provide valuable data on customer engagement, spending behaviour, and whether the technology improves operational efficiency.
If successful, it could pave the way for wider adoption across Morrisons' estate and potentially other UK retailers. It also highlights the growing role of companies like Instacart, which is best known for its delivery services, in shaping the future of physical retail.
For now, shoppers in Preston and across Lancashire have the chance to experience this early glimpse of the store of the future. Whether it will become a permanent fixture remains to be seen, but the initial response will be closely watched by the industry.
