Morrisons tests AI-powered Caper Carts at Preston store

Morrisons has begun testing a new generation of AI-powered shopping trolleys at its Riversway store in Preston, marking the first deployment of such technology in the United Kingdom. The high-tech carts, known as Caper Carts and supplied by the U.S. company Instacart, feature touchscreens, built-in scales, cameras, and sensors designed to automatically identify products as they are placed inside.

The system allows customers to scan items, weigh produce directly in the trolley, and monitor their total spending in real time through an onboard screen. It also integrates with the Morrisons More loyalty card to apply discounts automatically during the shop. Upon completing their trip, shoppers scan a barcode generated by the trolley at a self-checkout to finalize payment. The supermarket first announced plans for the trial last year.

While some shoppers have expressed interest in the futuristic upgrade, the public debut of the trolleys online has prompted immediate concerns about their durability and security outside the store. Social media commentators have questioned how long the expensive-looking equipment, with its prominent tablets, will last, suggesting they could be vulnerable...