Waitrose has reportedly begun a small-scale trial of AI-vision technology in shopping trolleys at its Bracknell store in Berkshire, with the move marking the first time a UK supermarket has adopted this technology.

Developed in collaboration with AI specialist Shopic and currently being tested at Waitrose’s Bracknell store, the device uses AI-based computer vision to automatically recognise items as they are added or removed from the trolley, without the need to scan barcodes, according to a report by The Grocer.

The screen displays the updated total of purchases, keeping customers informed about their spending. It also offers personalised promotions and helps customers navigate the store to find specific items.

The system shows customers the total number of items in real time on a touchscreen, allowing customers to skip the traditional checkout line entirely and pay directly through the cart’s interface.

The move comes after Italian grocery retailer Dimar recently rolled out the technology.

US retail giant Walmart also integrated smart cart technology in its stores in Chile.

Additionally, French grocery giants Franprix and Intermarché last year rolled out carts

The carts feature a clip-on device powered by computer vision, capable of recognising thousands of items without manual scanning.

Aldi announced on Friday that its checkout free Shop&Go store is going hybrid, shifting from a tap-in only format to include a manual checkout scanning system.

With the move, the retailer said it seeks to elevate the customer experience by bringing the concept closer to the traditional Aldi shopping experience.

Before the hybrid upgrade, customers had to scan a QR code at the entrance using the Aldi Shop&Go app, register a payment method before entering, and pass-through turnstiles to start shopping.

Customers at the checkout can now choose to use their app or tap system in the fast lane system or use Aldi's self-checkout terminals.

---