Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way we shop, and nowhere is this more evident than in the bustling supermarkets of New York City. Instacart’s AI-powered smart carts, known as Caper Carts, are providing shoppers with a seamless and efficient shopping experience. These carts utilize AI technology to identify items, their prices, and even the weight of produce, all while allowing customers to effortlessly check out with a simple touch on the cart’s screen.
In a TikTok video that has since gone viral, one user excitedly touted the arrival of the Caper Cart, saying, “2024 is the new 2050.” The carts have already made their way to a Fairway Market in Kips Bay and several ShopRite stores on Staten Island in New Jersey. Not only do these carts make shopping easier, but they also offer potential savings for consumers. If a customer spends $35 or more, the touch screen prompts them to spin a wheel that could land them with $2, $5, or even $10 off their entire purchase. Fairway’s membership program members can enjoy additional markdowns, making the deals too good to resist.
One shopper, T. Cat Ford, who resides in Tudor City, speaks highly of the discounts offered by the Caper Cart. She says, “Here’s the funny thing: I would never go to self-checkout. But if they’re going to give me an incentive, and I’m able to get money off doing it, then why not?” Ford also praises the cart’s ability to display the total amount spent immediately on the touch screen, making it easier for shoppers to keep track of their expenses.
Despite the positive feedback, there are a few minor glitches that still need to be ironed out. One shopper, Geraldine Hoylie, mentioned that her cart did not automatically detect some of the items she put in it. Additionally, the Caper Carts are heavier than traditional metal carts, making maneuvering them a bit challenging. An Instacart spokesperson acknowledged these issues, stating, “[We] definitely want to acknowledge that this is a new technology that a lot of customers probably haven’t used before…and there are folks on the ground for when there are issues.”
Customers using the Caper Carts at ShopRite and Fairway Markets still have to check out the traditional way due to Wakefern Food Corporation’s decision not to include card readers on the carts. However, there are plans to add more features to these innovative shopping companions in the near future. The carts will soon offer a map of the grocery store, eliminating the need to ask for aisle directions. Additionally, they will provide recipe recommendations based on the items in the cart, adding an extra layer of convenience for shoppers.
While the Caper Carts come with a higher price tag, reportedly up to $10,000, they offer significant advantages over their basic metal counterparts. The convenience, savings, and potential for future enhancements make them an attractive option for both retailers and customers. As AI continues to transform various industries, it’s clear that the future of shopping is here and it’s smarter, easier, and more personalized than ever before.
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