The new trolleys will use AI technology said to improve customer experience
Morrisons will introduce the change in 2026 (Image: Liverpool Echo)
Morrisons is introducing a major change to its shopping experience by introducing AI technology to its shopping trolleys. The trolleys, known as Caper Carts, will be introduced at one initial store in early 2026 with the potential for further rollouts later on.
The 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.
As items are scanned, the trolley identifies them instantly, including weighing fresh produce directly in the trolley.
To complete their purchase, customers simply scan the barcode displayed on the trolley’s screen at the store’s self-checkout area.
For Morrisons customers, the smart trolleys are integrated with the Morrisons More Card loyalty program and, according to Morrisons, will deliver “added savings and convenience during their trip”.
The trolley rollout will mark North American company Instacart’s first retail partnership in the UK.
It isn’t yet clear which Morrisons location will see the first rollout of the trolleys.
An illustration of the new Morrisons ‘Instacart’ (Image: Morrisons )
David McIntosh, Chief Connected Stores Officer at Instacart said: “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.”
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.”
Morrisons has around 500 stores in the UK.