European supermarket chain Carrefour has introduced what it says is the first smart shopping cart in Romania.

Available exclusively in the Corbeanca hypermarket, the smart cart works as an integrated shopping assistant, which optimises the route in the store, displays the products available and shows the value of the shopping cart in real time.

To use the smart cart, shoppers must log in to the Act for Good loyalty platform, available in the Carrefour mobile app. The shopping list is created directly on the cart’s touchscreen, and the system automatically generates an optimal route in the store, indicating the location of each product.

Each scanned item is instantly displayed on the cart screen, along with the price, for increased visibility. Also, if shoppers need assistance, they can request help through a dedicated button. Thanks to the geolocation function, staff can intervene quickly, identifying the user’s exact position.

“Smart cart is a major step in our strategy to digitise the in-store experience and a testament to Carrefour’s commitment to innovation for the benefit of the customer,” said Fabrice Gratien Besson, director of security at Carrefour Romania (carrefour.ro). “We launched this pilot project in the Corbeanca hypermarket with 40 devices and, since its debut, over 3500 customers have already used smart carts, thus demonstrating the increased interest in this system that makes shopping faster and more efficient. We believe this is the beginning of an important transformation, in which technology and in-store experience work together.”

Another advantage is the efficiency of the purchase process. When completing the shopping, the cart generates a barcode that is quickly scanned at the cash register. All added products are automatically downloaded into the system, and payment can be made quickly.

The trolley has been ergonomically designed so products can be placed directly into reusable bags or boxes. With a carrying capacity of up to 180kg, an autonomy of 18 hours and a charging time of six hours, the trolley can support a constant flow of users throughout the day.

The smart cart is also compatible with the Bringo and Glovo delivery platforms, offering integration with the Carrefour omnichannel ecosystem, both for customers who prefer in-store shopping and for those who opt for fast delivery.