Waitrose is currently testing innovative AI-driven shopping carts that automatically monitor items as customers place them in their trolleys.
The new system requires shoppers to attach a device to the handle of a regular Waitrose trolley, equipped with scanners and cameras to track the added products. Before placing an item in the cart, customers must scan it first, allowing the technology to keep a record of the shopping list and total cost displayed on a small screen.
Once shopping is complete, customers can exit the store without going through a traditional checkout process as they are automatically billed for their purchases. Payment details need to be added beforehand, and any loose items must be weighed as usual.
These smart trolleys, utilizing technology developed by software company Shopic, are currently being trialed at a Waitrose store in Bracknell, Berkshire, with potential expansion to additional locations in the future.
According to Waitrose, the smart trolley functions similarly to their scan, pay, go handheld devices, offering a more seamless payment experience for customers while still maintaining conventional checkout options for those who prefer human interaction.
In a statement, Shopic mentioned their collaboration with Dimar and Retex to introduce their AI and vision technology to Italian supermarkets through smart carts, emphasizing the convenience for shoppers and operational benefits for retailers.
Amazon was a pioneer in checkout-free shopping with its Amazon Fresh outlets, using camera and sensor technology to track customer selections. Meanwhile, Lidl is experimenting with cameras at self-checkouts to discourage shoplifting by monitoring unscanned items. Home Bargains has also deployed similar camera systems at self-service tills to detect unscanned products, finding them more effective than security personnel.
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