Clever cart threat to checkouts

Ellerslie grocery shoppers are expected to be the first in the world to test artificial intelligence technology that will eliminate checkouts.

Auckland company IMAGR aims to change the way people shop by using computer vision technology that recognises products as they are placed in the shopping trolley.

Foodstuffs’ Four Square Ellerslie is tipped to be the first fast-moving consumer goods store in the world to try the Smartcart technology.

IMAGR founder William Chomley said he used to spend his whole lunch break waiting in the supermarket queue when he worked in Sydney.

Working with a team of 12, including AI specialists from around the world, Chomley set out to improve the experience of customers.

Shoppers download an app on their smartphone and link a payment method to their account. Once in the store, they pair their device with the shopping trolley, and as they add items to the cart they appear in the virtual basket in the app.

The cart also recognises if an item has been taken out of the cart and will remove it from the virtual basket.

Chomley would not say when Smartcart would be available in the Auckland store, but said it would be some time this year.

The technology can also identify patterns in behaviour and suggest recipes. The trolley can assist in inventory management, cost reduction and analytics.