The Sobeys Smart Cart is being tested at one of the company’s Oakville, Ontario stores. (SOBEYS INC.)
Canadian grocery chain Sobeys is testing the shopping cart of the future at one of its Ontario stores.
Called the Sobeys Smart Cart, the technology-enhanced cart allows shoppers to scan their items as they place them inside. The state-of-the-art cart — powered by technology firm Caper — even comes with a built-in scale to weigh produce.
Customers can see an updated tally of their grocery bill thanks to an on-board tablet. The cart also comes equipped with a debit and credit machine to allow for easy payment.
Sobeys says the Smart Cart will allow customs to get in and out of its stores more quickly without waiting in line.
“While products and customer eating habits have evolved, the in-store grocery shopping experience has remained relatively static for the last 100 years,” said Mathieu Lacoursiere, vice-president, retail support at Sobeys Inc.
“This is a unique way for us to test innovative new technologies aimed at enhancing the customer shopping experience and learn how best to make it faster and easier.”
The Smart Cart comes with multiple high-resolution cameras that capture 120 images per second to identify the products placed inside. The on-board tablet also displays in-store specials and will eventually include a map of the store so customers can easily locate their grocery items.
Sobeys is currently piloting the carts at its Glen Abbey location in Oakville, Ontario.
