Instacart and Morrisons partner to bring AI powered Caper Cart smart trolleys to UK for first time

Instacart and Morrisons are teaming up to bring the former’s AI powered Caper Cart smart trolleys to the UK for the first time. These will become available starting in early 2026 at one initial Morrisons store, with the potential for a further roll-out.

Caper Carts let customers scan items as they shop, track their running total in real-time, and check-out.

The trolleys feature interactive screens, built-in scales, and AI powered sensors that guide customers through scanning and placing items directly into the basket, including weighing fresh produce directly in the trolley.

As items are scanned, it identifies them instantly, helping customers keep track of their spending and move through the store at their own pace. To complete their purchase, shoppers scan the barcode displayed on the trolley’s screen at the store’s self-checkout area.

For Morrisons customers, the smart trolleys will be integrated with the More Card loyalty programme.

“As we continue to expand internationally, we’re thrilled to partner with Morrisons to bring Caper Carts to the UK for the first time,” says 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.”

“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,” says 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.”

Caper Carts are now deployed in nearly 100 cities across 15 US states, including retailers like Coles, Kroger, Schnucks, and Wakefern.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Smart carts will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.