It is not new that the large supermarket chains in the United States are implementing tools like artificial intelligence (AI) in their layouts. Not only in production processes, but also when it comes to providing service. This is the case of the well-known supermarket brand Wegmans with the launch of its latest product, the smart cart Caper Cart. This project in collaboration with Instacart allows customers to enhance their experience through the use of a smart cart, equipped with cameras, sensors, and a digital scale. The cart monitors the products being added, even calculating the cost of the purchase as it is being made.
You can pay directly from the cart through the Wegman´s Choppers Club account, without the need to go through the checkout. Currently, pilot tests are being conducted in several regions of New York, such as Perinton and Pittsford in Rochester, Alberta Drive in Buffalo, and Dewitt in Syracuse. If these pilot tests are successfully completed, it is expected that the project will launch in the Wegmans store in Syracuse, New York, and expand to more locations.
Wegmans
Founded in 1961 in Rochester by John Wegman and Walter Wegman, it still maintains its headquarters in the same location. Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is an American supermarket chain dedicated to the sale of groceries. Since its inception under the name Rochester Fruit and Vegetable Company, the brand has managed to grow into a regional chain present in multiple areas. Its establishments are primarily located on the East Coast of the United States, specifically in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Virginia, and North Carolina. One of the aspects that characterizes it is its commitment to products from local communities, especially in their quality.
Caper Cart
Supermarket chains are incorporating the use of tools like artificial intelligence to improve both production processes and the products or services provided. In the case of Wegmans, AI has been used to maximize savings and enhance the user experience through the Caper Cart. This launch features a smart shopping cart that can provide information to the customer. This innovation has been made possible thanks to collaboration with Instacart, with whom they share the mission of making the shopping process a more efficient, faster, and cost-effective experience.
How does it work?
The Caper Cart is designed to provide a smoother, easier, and more cost-effective shopping process, thanks to the array of tools that transform it into a “super cart”. It operates as follows:
- It is equipped with cameras, location sensors, and a digital scale. The cart can identify the products being added without the need to scan them one by one.
- It is capable of real-time monitoring. This means that it allows shoppers to view the total of their purchases in real time. Through its screen, users can see a breakdown of the products and the total price.
- There is no need to go through a checkout to make a payment. By accessing the Wegmans Shoppers Club account, the cart can automatically process the payment, charging it to the account associated with the profile in Wegmans.
When will it start to work?
Currently, the project is in pilot phases. The regions offering this trial service are in New York, specifically in Perinton and Pittsford in Rochester, Alberta Drive in Buffalo, and Dewitt in Syracuse. The company’s idea is to start operating officially in the Wegmans store in Syracuse, New York, as long as the pilot tests are successfully approved. They plan to expand the presence of Caper Carts to more locations of the brand, but we will have to wait a bit longer for that.