Illinois Grocery Chain to Get Smart Shopping Carts With AI, GPS

The chore of going to the grocery store isn't my favorite thing on the adulting list, but if you add some high-tech gadgets into my shopping trip, that may change.

Smart Shopping Soon Hitting Aisles in Illinois

A major grocery chain with dozens of stores in Illinois has announced its plan to revolutionize the in-store experience with futuristic shopping carts.

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According to Supermarket News, several Schnucks locations in Illinois will have a fleet of cutting-edge 'Caper Carts', AI-powered smart shopping carts with a large interactive video screen and GPS tracking to offer a high-tech upgrade to the traditional shopping routine.

Convenience Meets Innovation

Developed by an Instacart-owned tech company, the Caper Cart uses its digital screens to help shoppers locate items, view digital coupons, and even check out right from the shopping cart.

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AI is also used on the Caper Cart to suggest recipes or shopping deals based on the consumers' habits. Customers will also be alerted to promotions and discounts while they shop.

Early trials of Caper Carts in some Schnucks stores near St. Louis have reportedly shown improved customer satisfaction, with plans to have these high-tech carts in most Schnucks stores by the end of 2025, according to a report by CNBC.

No specific details were given about which Illinois Schnucks locations will be the first to get the futuristic shopping carts, but stores near the company's home base in Missouri have been using the technology since 2024, according to Supermarket News.