In a move that blends convenience, speed, and cutting-edge technology, U.S. grocery chain Wegmans has begun piloting AI-powered “smart shopping carts” in several New York locations. These futuristic trolleys—powered by companies like Caper AI (a start-up acquired by Instacart)—promise to transform the traditional supermarket experience.
What Is a Smart Cart?
A smart cart is a regular-sized shopping trolley equipped with built-in sensors, a touchscreen interface, barcode scanners, and weight sensors. Using AI and computer vision, the cart automatically recognises items as they’re added. Customers see a running total on the screen, can remove or adjust items instantly, and—most notably—check out directly from the cart.
There’s no need to unload groceries at a till or stand in a checkout line. Just bag items as you shop and pay via the cart’s touchscreen terminal using card or contactless. It’s a true grab-and-go experience.
Why Wegmans Is Testing It
Wegmans, a family-owned supermarket chain praised for its customer service, has always embraced tech where it adds real value. By piloting smart carts, the retailer is aiming to address long checkout lines, reduce labour strain, and appeal to digital-native shoppers.
Shoppers involved in the trial can use the carts during normal store visits, with Wegmans closely monitoring feedback on ease-of-use, pricing accuracy, and the overall customer journey.
“Customers want speed without losing control,” said one retail tech expert. “Smart carts let people shop, save time, and track spending all at once—especially attractive in high-traffic stores.”
Who Else Is Implementing Smart Cart Tech?
Wegmans isn’t alone. Several major retailers across the globe are experimenting with or rolling out smart cart technology:
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Kroger (USA) partnered with Caper AI in 2021 to test smart carts in select stores.
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Albertsons (USA) began a smart cart pilot with Veeve, a Seattle-based start-up, to enhance customer convenience.
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Sobeys (Canada) was among the early adopters of smart cart systems from Caper.
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Carrefour (France) tested smart carts in partnership with AiFi and other autonomous checkout providers.
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Tesco (UK) has explored both scan-and-go and trolley-mounted smart devices as part of a broader digital checkout strategy.
Meanwhile, Amazon’s “Dash Cart” system, deployed in Amazon Fresh stores, is perhaps the best-known example—integrated directly into Amazon’s contactless, cashierless retail concept.
What Does It Mean for Shoppers?
The promise of smart carts goes beyond skipping checkout lines. These carts can:
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Track Spending in Real-Time: Helping budget-conscious shoppers stay on target.
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Offer Product Suggestions: Based on past purchases or dietary preferences.
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Promote Deals Instantly: Alerting customers to discounts as they pick items.
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Integrate Loyalty Rewards: Automatically applying savings and rewards without scanning cards.
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Enhance Accessibility: Offering visual or voice-guided shopping assistance for those with disabilities.
And for retailers, the data is just as powerful—smart carts offer a granular view of in-store behaviour, helping brands refine merchandising, planograms, and real-time promotions.
The Challenges Ahead
Despite the promise, there are hurdles to overcome. Not every shopper is tech-savvy, and some may resist the shift from traditional trolleys. Maintenance costs, theft prevention, and software integration are also key concerns for retailers.
Moreover, in busy stores, managing a fleet of smart carts—ensuring enough are charged, clean, and functioning—adds a layer of operational complexity.
A Glimpse Into Grocery’s Future
As grocery retailers strive to keep pace with the digital economy, smart carts represent more than a tech gimmick—they’re a bridge between the online and offline experience. They allow supermarkets to combine the personal feel of physical shopping with the data-rich convenience of e-commerce.
For Wegmans, the pilot may be a small-scale trial, but it signals a much bigger shift. As consumers grow accustomed to checkout-less options and instant digital interfaces, AI-powered carts may soon become as normal as self-checkouts once seemed radical.