Coles is set to introduce a trial of AI-powered smart trolleys which will allow shoppers to skip checkouts completely.
In an Australia-first, the grocery giant will be trialling Coles Smart Trolleys which use artificial intelligence, sensors and an in-built scale at a store in Melbourne.
The technology is being tested at Coles Richmond Traders from January 2025 and customers at this store will have the opportunity to test some of the trolleys from today.
READ MORE: Warning of giant hail, destructive winds as storms roll across east coast
READ MORE: Woman, teen killed in Queensland truck crash
Coles partnered with US delivery giant Instacart to develop the AI trolleys.
The machines will feature a digital screen which will display specials, share aisle locations of products and keep a running total of the shop to help shoppers manage budgets.
Customers will also be able to pay directly on the trolley using an in-built EFTPOS machine.
Coles said the trolleys will be free to use and no app will be needed to activate them.
“As the first retailer in Australia to introduce AI-powered trolleys, we’re excited to offer our customers a convenient and engaging way to shop in-store, helping them save time, manage their budget and checkout faster – or at their own pace,’ Coles chief digital officer Ben Hassing said.
“The Coles Smart Trolley illustrates our omnichannel approach, leveraging digital capabilities to enrich the in-store experience.
“We are committed to testing and learning through innovative solutions to make sure we are delivering on customer needs, increasing convenience, and helping customers discover more value through their shop at Coles.”
READ MORE: Several Bali flights grounded as Indonesian volcano unleashes ash clouds
Customers testing the AI trolleys in Richmond won’t be able to use the attached EFTPOS machines yet.
Instacart’s chief connected stores officer David McIntosh said the trolleys will be a key tool for customers wanting to stick to a budget as inflation bites.
“With cost-of-living pressures top of mind, we’ve found customers especially love the way the digital screen on the trolley helps them to see their running total and manage their budget in real-time along with discovering further discounts and money off their total by spinning the digital wheel,” he said.
