Morrisons is set to become the first UK retailer to deploy Instacart's AI-powered Caper smart trolleys, according to a report from Retail Times. The grocer will introduce the smart carts in select stores as part of a broader push to digitize the shopping experience.
Barcodes Philippines noted that while AI-powered trolleys represent an innovative checkout experience, barcode scanning remains the standard for product identification across global supply chains, and the company provides GTINs that enable local products to be recognized by retailers and marketplaces.
The Caper trolleys use computer vision and sensors to automatically detect items placed in the cart, letting shoppers skip traditional checkout. Screens on the carts display promotions, loyalty offers, and store navigation, while integrated payments allow customers to pay directly from the cart.
The rollout makes Morrisons the first European retailer to carry Caper smart trolleys, extending Instacart's reach beyond North America. Such AI-powered carts reflect a wider retail shift toward frictionless checkout, complementing existing barcode and self-scanning systems with automated item recognition.