Instacart, the US grocery technology company, and Coles, the Australian supermarket retailer, have announced a partnership to bring Caper Carts ‘smart trolleys’ to the Asia Pacific region for the first time, expanding their presence beyond North America.
Caper Carts, which will launch in Australia in early 2025, are described as being equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) systems, cameras, and a built-in scale which work together to automatically recognize items as they are added to the trolley, so as to replicate the online shopping experience as closely as possible.
Commenting on the move, Ben Hassing, Coles chief digital officer, said: “The Coles smart trolley illustrates our omnichannel approach, leveraging digital capabilities to enrich the in-store experience. We are committed to testing and learning through innovative solutions to make sure we are delivering on customer needs, increasing convenience, and helping customers discover more value through their shop at Coles.”
In a press release, Instacart also claimed Caper Carts allow customers to manage their budget in real-time and check out easily.
Caper Carts are already present in the USA in a number of regional supermarket chains and independent grocers.
Source: Instacart