By Emily Parker,Ray Bonsall
Copyright manchestereveningnews
Major supermarket Morrisons is introducing a new style of shopping trolleys to its stores which is expected to make major changes to shopper’s usual in-store experience. The supermarket has revealed it will be introducing Caper Carts, which incorporate AI technology, to one of its stores in early 2026 with the potential for further rollouts later, Liverpool Echo reports . New trolleys will allow customers to scan items as they shop track their running total in real time, and speed up the checkout process. The trolleys will also feature interactive screens, built-in scales, and AI-powered sensors. The new trolleys identify items as they are scanned and can weigh fresh produce within the cart. For the best ideas on days out, shopping and parenting issues, get the Manchester Family newsletter here Customers will then need to simply scan the barcode displayed on the trolley’s screen at the store’s checkout area to pay for their shopping. In Morrisons stores, the new trolleys will also be integrated with Morrisons More Card loyalty program and, according to Morrisons, will deliver “added savings and convenience during their trip”. The move also marks the North American company Instacart’s first retail partnership in the UK, however it is not yetclear which Morrisons location will see the first rollout. Gordon Macpherson, productivity director of Morrisons said: “We’re constantly looking for ways to bring innovation to the weekly shop to enhance the experience for our customers, and the cutting-edge technology of Caper Carts brings the best of digital and physical retail together in-store. “We’re excited about bringing the first fully integrated AI-powered trolleys in the UK to a first store soon and look forward to testing customer response and building understanding of how the technology works within the Morrisons store estate.” David McIntosh, Chief Connected Stores Officer at Instacart added: “As we continue to expand internationally, we’re thrilled to partner with Morrisons to bring Caper Carts to the UK for the first time. “Shopping is no longer solely online or in-store – it’s a hybrid of both – and Caper Carts offer a seamless way to combine the convenience and personalisation of e-commerce with the inspiration and discovery that happens in physical stores. “Retailers like Morrisons are transforming the in-store shopping experience with new technologies such as Caper Carts that help customers shop faster, easier and in more inspiring ways while deepening loyalty along the way.” The reveal comes after Waitrose recently announced a trial of an AI device which can be attached to the supermarkets regular trolleys to track what shoppers place into their cart. To use the device, Waitrose shoppers will need to add their payment details to the device before beginning their shop. Shoppers then have to scan the item they are picking up with the device before placing it into their trolley. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE
