Instacart Ends Caper Carts Smart Trolley Business
The company is winding down its smart trolley unit to focus on software and data tools for grocers and consumer packaged goods firms.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Couponing
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Instacart has discontinued its Caper Carts smart trolley business, which had been piloted at a Morrisons store in Preston. The move follows Morrisons' decision to end its single-store trial of the technology.
Why it matters
Winding down the hardware unit reflects a shift toward software and data products that retailers can deploy at scale. Instacart said retailers are prioritising technology that can modernise stores at scale.
Instacart estimates the cost of winding down Caper Carts at between $55m and $80m (£41m-£60m). The company has not said when the wind-down will be completed.
The players
Instacart
Instacart is an American grocery delivery and shopping platform company that works with retailers and consumers across North America.
Morrisons
Morrisons is a major British supermarket chain headquartered in Bradford, England, known for its large store network across the United Kingdom.
The details
Caper Carts were smart trolleys that automatically recognised items placed inside them, weighed fresh produce on the spot, and displayed the running basket total on a touchscreen. Shoppers could scan a Morrisons More Card to access loyalty promotions throughout the shop during the Preston trial.
Timeline
Summer 2026: Single-store Caper Carts trial began at Morrisons' Preston store.
November 1, 2026: Morrisons confirmed the trial was ending and Instacart's discontinuation was reported.
Market Landscape
Smart trolleys such as the Amazon Dash Cart have faced high hardware costs and limited rollout since their introduction. Instacart's exit from Caper Carts suggests grocers may favour lower-cost software and data tools over in-store hardware.
Shoppers who used the Morrisons More Card at the Preston trial store will no longer have access to the smart trolley promotions. Grocery shoppers in general are unlikely to see immediate changes to in-store checkout options.
The takeaway
Shoppers should check whether their store's loyalty card still delivers in-store promotions, since trial technology may not remain available. Relying on the card's standard app and email offers can help keep savings consistent.
Further reading
Explore more tips in our Couponing section for ways to save on everyday grocery bills.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EXPRESS.
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