Waitrose is currently testing innovative AI-powered shopping trolleys designed to automatically track items as customers place them in their carts. The new technology requires shoppers to attach a device to the handlebars of a standard Waitrose trolley, equipped with a scanner and cameras to monitor the products being added.
To utilize this system, customers must scan each item before placing it in the cart. The trolley then identifies and maintains a record of the items in the shopping list, displaying the total cost on a small screen. Once shopping is complete, customers can exit the store without visiting a traditional checkout, as the payment is automatically processed based on pre-provided payment details.
These advanced trolleys, powered by technology from software company Shopic, are undergoing a trial phase at a Waitrose store in Bracknell, Berkshire, with potential expansion to other locations in the future. Waitrose noted that this smart trolley functions similarly to their scan, pay, go handheld devices.
According to a statement from a Waitrose spokesperson, the aim is to explore more seamless payment options for customers while still offering conventional checkouts for those who prefer interaction with store staff. Similarly, Shopic highlighted the benefits of their AI and vision technology in enhancing convenience for shoppers and assisting retailers in optimizing operations and enhancing customer engagement.
Amazon was a pioneer in offering checkout-free shopping through its Amazon Fresh outlets, utilizing cameras and sensors to track customer selections. In other supermarket news, Lidl is experimenting with cameras at self-checkouts to deter shoplifting by recording instances where items are not scanned.
Home Bargains has also adopted similar camera technology to detect unscanned items at self-service checkouts in their Speke store. Through a trial partnership with tech firms SAI and Everseen, Home Bargains found this technology more effective than traditional security measures, as confirmed by operations director Paul Rowland in a statement to The Grocer.
