Morrisons to debut AI-powered Instacart shopping trolleys

Morrisons is set to revolutionise the UK grocery shopping experience by introducing AI-powered “Caper Carts” in partnership with Instacart. The smart trolleys, already in use across North America, will debut in early 2026 at a designated Morrisons store, with plans for a broader rollout.

Designed to enhance the in-store shopping journey, Caper Carts feature interactive touchscreens, built-in scales, and AI-powered sensors. Shoppers can scan items as they shop, track their running total in real time, and check out seamlessly by scanning a barcode at the self-checkout area. The trolleys also integrate with the Morrisons More Card loyalty program, offering personalised discounts and rewards.

“We’re constantly looking for ways to bring innovation to the weekly shop to enhance the experience for our customers, and the cutting-edge technology of Caper Carts brings the best of digital and physical retail together in-store,” said Gordon Macpherson, Productivity Director of Morrisons. “We’re excited about bringing the first fully-integrated AI-powered trolleys in the UK to a first store soon, and look forward to testing customer response and building understanding of how the technology works within the Morrisons store estate.”

The Instacart initiative marks a significant step in Morrisons’ commitment to innovation and customer convenience, blending digital and physical retail experiences.

“As we continue to expand internationally, we’re thrilled to partner with Morrisons to bring Caper Carts to the UK for the first time,” said David McIntosh, Chief Connected Stores Officer at Instacart. “Shopping is no longer solely online or in-store – it’s a hybrid of both – and Caper Carts offer a seamless way to combine the convenience and personalisation of e-commerce with the inspiration and discovery that happens in physical stores. Retailers like Morrisons are transforming the in-store shopping experience with new technologies such as Caper Carts that help customers shop faster, easier and in more inspiring ways while deepening loyalty along the way.”