Smart Carts and Robots: How UK Retailers Are Automating In-Store Life

Morrisons has officially launched Instacart’s Caper Cart smart trolleys at its Preston supermarket, marking the first time the North American AI solution has been tested in the UK. The trolleys automatically identify items and weigh produce, allowing shoppers to track their spending in real-time on a touchscreen before checking out at a dedicated lane. This follows Tesco’s own massive automation push, which recently concluded the initial phase of deploying cleaning robots across 600 Express stores to assist staff with routine floor maintenance.

Beyond grocery, the leisure sector is also embracing self-service innovation. Butlin’s has become the first holiday resort operator globally to install Boxbar automated terminals, rolling out 119 units across its resorts in Bognor Regis, Minehead, and Skegness. The machines are capable of pouring two drinks in six seconds, a move designed to alleviate peak-time congestion. Meanwhile, Pret A Manger has expanded its footprint with a new flagship at Heathrow Terminal 5, incorporating mobile handheld tills to expedite service for international travelers.

Strategic shifts are also occurring at the executive level and within corporate operations. Vusion has announced the acquisition of Barcelona-based In-Store Media, aiming to monetize physical store traffic through digital retail media. Concurrently, Pernod Ricard has overhauled its leadership, appointing Caroline Connan as Chief Data Officer and Mauve Croizat as EVP of Finance & Tech, while Aston Villa Football Club has recruited Rina Chotai from Selfridges to drive its digital transformation efforts.