August 26, 2026, (Inside AI) — A Morrisons store in Ashton-on-Ribble, Lancashire, has become the first supermarket in the UK to trial AI-powered smart trolleys that scan, weigh, and total items automatically. The Caper trolleys, developed by San Francisco-based Instacart, eliminate the need for checkout scanning. Shoppers place items inside, and the trolley registers each product while displaying a running total on a screen. At the end, customers pay directly from the trolley without visiting a cashier.
The rollout marks a significant test for frictionless retail technology in Britain. Amazon Fresh attempted a similar concept with camera-based stores that charged shoppers automatically, but the company closed its last UK physical location in 2025. Morrisons is betting that trolley-based scanning will succeed where store-wide surveillance failed.
The Caper trolley uses computer vision and weight sensors to identify products. Cameras inside the basket capture images of items as they are placed in or removed. A built-in scale verifies weight, reducing errors. The system also offers personalized recommendations based on what the shopper has selected. This dual-sensor approach differs from Amazon's Dash Cart, which relies more heavily on cameras and requires shoppers to scan a QR code upon entry.
Instacart has deployed Caper trolleys in more than 100 cities globally. The company acquired Caper AI in 2021 for $350 million, signaling a strategic shift toward hardware-enabled grocery automation. Morrisons has not disclosed the financial terms of the UK trial, but the supermarket chain plans to expand the trolleys nationwide if the pilot succeeds.
Shopper reactions in Preston have been largely positive. Matthew Byrne, who is autistic, said the screen helped him stick to his budget. "Having what I've bought on screen has been great. I have a habit of just grabbing things and throwing them in my trolley, and then wondering how I'm paying so much. It's been amazing to visualise it and see it in real time. I came here with an £80 budget, and I've actually been able to stick to it." Matthew Byrne, customer, Morrisons Ashton-on-Ribble
Kaz Bond, a regular user for four weeks, called the trolleys "brilliant" and predicted widespread adoption. "Honestly, I think they're brilliant," said Bond. "They make life much easier. I wouldn't be that surprised if they're everywhere before long. I reckon it's the future." Kaz Bond, customer, Morrisons Ashton-on-Ribble
Not all feedback was glowing. Debbie Files found the trolley heavy and difficult to maneuver. "It was a little bit confusing at first, but you get used to it pretty quickly," said Files. "It's heavy though, I've barely been able to turn it. I feel like I need a driving lesson to use it, but I got the hang of it. If they make a smaller one then that will get me to use it again." Debbie Files, customer, Morrisons Ashton-on-Ribble
The physical weight stems from the embedded battery, sensors, and screen. Caper trolleys weigh approximately 30 pounds more than standard carts. This design trade-off could limit adoption among older shoppers or those with mobility challenges.
Why Trolley AI May Outlast Storewide Surveillance
Amazon's Just Walk Out technology faced criticism for using human reviewers to verify transactions, raising privacy concerns. Caper trolleys keep processing local and visible to the shopper, which may build trust. Morrisons is also integrating the trolleys with its existing loyalty app, allowing discounts to apply automatically.
The UK grocery market is highly competitive, with thin margins. Smart trolleys could reduce checkout labor costs and increase basket size through targeted recommendations. However, theft prevention remains a challenge. The trolley's weight sensors can detect if an item is removed without payment, but shoppers could still conceal items outside the basket.
Morrisons has not announced a timeline for national expansion. The trial will measure customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and shrinkage rates. If successful, Caper trolleys could appear in hundreds of UK stores by 2027.
