So, I Tried an AI Shopping Cart (lifehacker.com)

A local ShopRite has introduced AI-powered Smart Shopping Carts, known as Caper Carts, aimed at enhancing the grocery shopping experience. These carts are equipped with barcode scanners and built-in scales to streamline the scanning process for groceries, including loose produce. Users can check out their shopping lists, access personalized coupons, and have a real-time tally of their spending, which could help in making budget-conscious decisions during shopping. However, customers must create an account with ShopRite to use the system, and the shopping carts require some adaptation, such as bagging items on the go. While the experience offers some conveniences, like reducing the number of items scanned at checkout to a single barcode, there are noteworthy challenges. Customers may encounter technical issues, such as carts that fail to scan items or accidentally registering purchases from nearby shelves. The carts are also heavy and may pose difficulties with larger hauls, and the reliance on limited checkout lanes could negate some efficiency benefits during busy periods. Overall, while these AI shopping carts represent an incremental improvement in grocery shopping, they aren't a revolutionary change, making them worth trying for those who embrace digital solutions in their shopping routines.