In 1916, a revolution quietly began in Memphis, Tennessee. The Piggly Wiggly supermarket opened its doors, forever changing how we gather food. Before then, grocery shopping meant handing a list to a clerk, accepting whatever brands they offered. Piggly Wiggly introduced a radical idea: letting customers wander the aisles and *choose* for themselves.
Grocery shopping, for most of us, is a constant. A weekly or daily ritual that can easily feel like a chore, especially with a family to feed. Even a simple list can become a juggling act – phone for coupons, scrap paper for items, mental math for deals. That’s why the news of AI-powered “Smart Shopping Carts” at a local store sparked my curiosity.
I’m often skeptical of artificial intelligence, but the grocery store seemed like a logical place for a little digital assistance. I ventured out to discover if these high-tech carts offered genuine benefits, or simply a stream of targeted advertisements.
These aren’t your average carts. Known as Caper Carts, and owned by Instacart, they’re substantial – large, heavy, and almost tank-like in their build. Using one requires a ShopRite account, linked to your phone number for purchase tracking. While you can store payment information for convenience, it’s not mandatory.
The process begins at the entrance. Selecting a cart prompts a quick tutorial on the built-in screen, guiding you through the system. Barcode scanners are mounted on either side of the cart’s back, and the entire cart functions as a scale, ensuring accurate scanning and produce pricing.
It’s similar to self-checkout, but integrated into the cart itself. Scan items as you add them, or look up produce using the touchscreen, weigh it, and watch the total update. The system actively searches for applicable coupons and loyalty rewards, streamlining the savings process.
My first attempt wasn’t seamless. The initial cart I selected simply wouldn’t scan. After alerting store staff and switching carts, I was up and running. The second cart, while functional, had a noticeable rumble from a loose wheel – these aren’t designed for speed.
The AI’s awareness is… noticeable. When I absentmindedly placed an unscanned item in the cart, a video popped up, showing *me* adding the item, politely asking if I’d like to add it to the bill. A “personal item” option is a welcome addition, offering a bit of privacy.
I momentarily forgot my reusable bags, a frequent oversight. The cart encourages bagging as you go, which can save time, but I prefer to bag at the end, carefully arranging items for optimal transport. It’s a matter of personal preference.
Changing your mind is simple – remove an item, and the system automatically adjusts the bill. When finished, tap “Checkout” and proceed to the designated area. At this ShopRite, a single lane was dedicated to Caper Carts, resulting in a short wait behind another self-checkout shopper.
A final scan of a barcode on the screen, a tap of my card, and a watchful security guard completed the process. Overall, the experience was a subtle improvement over traditional grocery shopping. The integrated bagging and simplified checkout are definite pluses.
While personalized coupons were limited on my first use, I can envision the potential for targeted savings as the system learns my preferences. However, the carts can occasionally misread barcodes, and their weight can be a challenge for larger shopping trips.
Adding produce requires locating the PLU code – a small sticker or a search on the touchscreen – which can be tedious. But seeing the running total is invaluable, allowing for real-time adjustments to stay within budget. The convenience, however, can be offset by potential waits at the dedicated checkout lane, especially during peak hours.
These AI shopping carts aren’t a revolutionary leap, but a worthwhile evolution. Depending on your shopping style, they offer a smoother, more informed experience. They won’t transform your grocery trip, but they might just make it a little bit easier.
