Coles will begin trailing an all-in-one AI-powered smart trolley next year. 
Developed in partnership with grocery technology company, Instacart, the Coles smart trolley will allow customers to track their spending in real time, pack as they shop and skip the checkout line.
The trolley – using advanced AI technology, sensors and an in-built scale to scan groceries directly into shopping bags – will be trialled at Coles Richmond Traders in Melbourne from January 2025.
Featuring an interactive digital screen which displays current in-store specials and product aisle locations, the smart trolley is said to make it easier for customers to locate offers throughout the store. It also features a running total of the shop to help customers manage their budget.
Customers who scan their Coles app or Flybuys card can collect Flybuys points during their shop. In-built gamification will allow customers to ‘Spin the Wheel’ at checkout for a chance to win additional discounts on their total shop when they spend $50 or more in a single transaction.
Delivering value and convenience
Coles Chief Digital Officer Ben Hassing says the introduction of the Coles smart trolley showcases the retailer’s commitment to delivering value and convenience to customers through innovative digital solutions.
“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,” he says.
“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.”
A first for Australia
Instacart Chief Connected Stores Officer David McIntosh says the partnership with Coles represents an exciting entry into the APAC market.
“At Instacart, we have spent the last decade empowering retailers with the technologies they need to better serve their customers any way they choose to shop, and we’re delighted to partner with Coles Group to bring the Caper Cart technology to Australia and APAC for the first time,” he says.
“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.”
Customers at Coles Richmond Traders now have the opportunity to experience and learn how to use the technology before the trolleys are fully operational when the trial begins.