The future lies in aisle five.
Smart carts powered by artificial intelligence are being introduced in supermarkets in the Big Apple, performing a wide range of functions except for cooking the food.
The Caper Carts by Instacart utilize AI technology to recognize products, determine their prices, and assess the weight of produce, enabling shoppers to complete their purchases effortlessly with a simple touch on a screen.
By employing artificial intelligence, Instacart’s Caper Cart can automatically identify each item, its pricing, and the weight of fresh produce.
In a video posted on Feb. 8, a TikTok user named @em.ly.x referred to 2024 as the new 2050 while showcasing the use of a Caper Cart at a ShopRite outlet.
These innovative carts are currently available at a Fairway Market in Kips Bay and several ShopRite locations on Staten Island in New Jersey, offering potential savings for consumers.
Upon spending \(35 or more, customers are prompted to spin a wheel on the touch screen during checkout, which can result in discounts of \)2, \(5, or \)10 off their total purchase.
Additionally, members of Fairway’s loyalty program can enjoy further reductions in prices.
Expressing her satisfaction with the discounts, a shopper mentioned, “I like the discounts…Two times I got $10 off – that’s pretty good.”
Despite her initial reluctance to use self-checkout, another shopper named T. Cat Ford, who resides in Tudor City, finds the incentives appealing and convenient, especially when receiving discounts.
The upcoming enhancement of the carts will include a store map, eliminating the need for customers to inquire about the location of specific products.
Furthermore, customers who spend \(35 or more during checkout have the chance to win discounts of \)2, \(5, or \)10 off their total bill.
Another shopper highlighted the immediate visibility of expenses on the touch screen as a beneficial feature.
Geraldine Hoylie, a Fairway customer, also praised the cost savings facilitated by the new technology.
Despite its advantages, the technology introduced at Fairway in October still faces some challenges, such as occasional detection issues and the carts’ heavier build compared to traditional models.
Hoylie suggested that lighter carts should be considered to improve maneuverability.
However, the advanced Caper Carts come at a higher cost, reportedly reaching up to $10,000, which is significantly more expensive than standard metal carts.
An Instacart spokesperson acknowledged that Hoylie’s experience with the Caper Carts was not ideal, emphasizing the ongoing improvements and support available for customers encountering issues.
The Caper Carts are currently available at select ShopRite stores in New Jersey, on Staten Island, and at Fairway Market in Kips Bay.
T. Cat Ford’s willingness to travel 11 blocks to utilize the futuristic carts at Fairway underscores the attractiveness of the offered deals.
Instacart’s spokesperson highlighted the novelty of the technology, acknowledging that customers may require assistance as they familiarize themselves with the new system.
At ShopRite and Fairway Markets, customers still follow the traditional checkout process, as Wakefern Food Corporation, the owner of these grocery brands, opted not to include card readers on the Caper Carts.
However, the spokesperson mentioned that future updates will include a store map within the carts, along with recipe suggestions based on the purchased items, enhancing the shopping experience for consumers.
