Large supermarket tests AI baskets: how technology will speed up shopping.

According to The Sun: A well-known supermarket has introduced innovations that could significantly simplify your weekly shopping and help you save money.

The company Waitrose has started an experiment with smart trolleys that will automatically scan items as customers add them to their baskets.

These smart trolleys function similarly to handheld 'scan, pay and go' devices.

The trolleys will be available at the entrance to Waitrose stores and can be used after scanning a loyalty card.

To use them, you will need to enter payment details.

The trolleys are equipped with a scanner and cameras that automatically identify each item you add or remove during shopping.

A small screen, similar to an iPad, will display everything you put in the trolley, as well as the total cost of the items, helping monitor spending.

After finishing shopping, you will be able to pay for the items and exit without going through the checkout.

However, you will need to weigh all fruits and vegetables and scan barcodes on these items.

To add baked goods, you need to select them on the device screen before placing them in the trolley.

It is also necessary to scan the barcode on discounted items marked with a yellow sticker.

A Waitrose representative stated: “We are exploring options for more seamless payments for our customers while keeping regular checkouts for those who value interaction with our staff.”

The technology is currently being tested at the Waitrose store in Bracknell, Berkshire. In the future, it may be implemented more widely.

The devices are supplied by Shopic, which also noted that the screens could be used to display discounts and special offers, which will also help save money.

According to preliminary estimates, this technology will allow customers to save two and a half minutes compared to self-service and eight minutes compared to waiting in line at a regular checkout.

Other supermarkets with scanners

Supermarkets like Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Morrisons also offer handheld scanners in their stores.

They allow you to scan items one by one during shopping to keep track of expenses in real-time.

At the same time, Amazon Fresh was the first to introduce scanning-free shopping technology.

Customers simply entered the store, picked items, and exited without scanning products or paying at checkout.

This technology used cameras, sensors, and artificial intelligence to track items selected by customers.

Payment was made automatically using the selected method, such as a credit card or mobile wallet.

However, Amazon eventually abandoned this technology due to customer feedback.

Meanwhile, the Co-operative also introduced electronic price tags as part of a major new project.

Customers can scan the price tag to join the loyalty program and receive exclusive discounts. These price tags are currently available in 700 stores, but the Co-operative hopes to expand this to more than 1600 stores by the end of the year.

If you have financial questions that need discussing, email us at [email protected].

You can also join our Facebook group Sun Money Chats and Tips to share your advice and stories.

The emergence of new smart trolleys in supermarkets provides consumers with the opportunity to save time and gain more control over their spending. If this technology is successfully implemented, shoppers can expect even more innovations in the future.

The introduction of the latest technologies in retail opens new horizons for consumer experience, making shopping more efficient and comfortable.