Morrisons has scrapped its pilot of AI-powered shopping trolleys just three months after launching the scheme.
The Caper Carts, described as fully integrated smart trolleys, were trialled at the supermarket’s Riversway store in Preston from July and featured cameras, sensors, scales and a touchscreen to identify items as they were placed inside.
Fresh produce could be weighed directly in the trolley, and an on-screen running total helped customers keep track of their spending.
The technology also synced with customers’ More Cards to offer real-time discounts and personalised promotions as they shopped.
Once finished, the trolley generated a barcode for payment at a dedicated checkout.
Morrisons was the first UK supermarket to introduce the technology, but the trial has now ended after technology partner Instacart announced it was winding down its entire Caper Cart operation.
A spokesman for Morrisons told The Grocer: "The trial has given us greater insight into the continued evolution of our customers’ shopping habits and we will continue to pilot and develop solutions to meet those needs."
The supermarket said the single-store trial was already nearing its planned conclusion and that Instacart’s decision would have no financial or operational consequences for the supermarket.
When the trolleys first appeared in Preston, they generated discussion online, with some social media users questioning what would happen if the high-tech carts were stolen or dumped in rivers and canals.
One user wrote: "Trolleys with tablets on that will be left outside? Sure none of them will get stolen."
Another commented: "So what happens when they find themselves in the local river or canal?"
Despite the concerns, the weatherproof trolleys included anti-theft features and could reportedly flash red to alert staff if someone attempted to leave without paying.
Their batteries also recharged automatically when the trolleys were grouped together.
Instacart expects to complete the global wind-down of its Caper Cart operation by the end of June 2027.
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