NZ supermarkets go way of Amazon with smart trolley trial
Will Chomley and Peter Muggleston outside Four Square Ellerslie
New Zealand’s Foodstuffs supermarket group is testing out new artificial technology that brings the checkout straight to the trolley.
Testing out a trolley that can read what is placed inside it, customers shopping at a Four Square supermarket in Auckland will no longer need to stand in a checkout line.
Called ‘SMARTCART’, the trolley works when shoppers download an app and link their preferred payment system.
Each time an item is placed in the trolley it will be automatically scanned and charged to the shoppers account.
SMARTCART is the brainchild of IMAGR founder William Chomley, who began working on the idea two years ago.
Chomley says SMARTCART can be adopted by any existing supermarket system.
“Personalisation and convenience are becoming industry norms, bricks and mortar is no exception, people want ease of access to products and to bypass queues,” Chomley said.
“We’re focused on creating a hyper-personalised in-store experience that also includes an ‘alternative’ method for checking out. SMARTCART provides another payment solution to retailers’ normal checkout and self-service offerings.”
Foodstuffs North Island Chief information Officer, Peter Muggleston, said brick and mortar retailers must embrace artificial intelligent technologies to lead the field in what they offer.
“We’re committed to giving Kiwi shoppers the best service, experiences and innovation,” Muggleston said.
“This technology will give consumers more options, reduced wait times and variety during their store visits, giving our staff more time to offer their advice and help in other ways.”
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