AI-powered shopping trolleys have been introduced at stores in Lancashire, offering shoppers a new way to track their purchases while they shop. These smart trolleys, developed by San Francisco-based Instacart, automatically scan items as they are placed inside and calculate the total cost in real time. The system also suggests related products based on what customers are buying, aiming to improve the shopping experience and help with decision-making.
The technology is already being used in more than 100 cities around the world, showing its growing popularity among retailers, according to The Guardian. Customers who have tried the trolleys in Ashton-on-Ribble say they find them helpful for keeping track of spending. One shopper noted that seeing what he had bought on screen made it easier to understand his final bill.
Another customer said the trolleys helped him avoid impulse purchases by making it clear how much he was spending as he went along. Some users found the device a bit confusing at first but adapted quickly to its features. One shopper mentioned that while the trolley was heavy and difficult to maneuver, he eventually got used to it.
The introduction of these smart shopping tools follows previous attempts at automated checkout systems in the UK. Amazon Fresh had previously tried a similar model but failed to gain traction in Britain and closed its last physical store in 2025. Retailers are now exploring new ways to use artificial intelligence to improve customer service and streamline shopping processes.
The Caper smart trolleys represent a step forward in how shoppers interact with store technology. Feedback from early users suggests that while the devices are not without challenges, they offer practical benefits for everyday shopping. The smart trolleys may become more common in stores across the UK as retailers continue to test and refine their use.
IMAGE: AI-Powered Shopping Trolleys Introduced in Lancashire DNR Art Department