AI-powered trolleys: The 'future of shopping' that Australia just can't seem to launch
OPINION -- The future of smart trolley technology in Australia remains uncertain, with two major supermarkets – Woolies and Coles – admitting they have no current plans to expand on their initial rollouts.
The first time I tried out Woolworth's new advance trolley technology Scan&Go, I had to trek to a location that wasn't my local, as it was still in its trial stage.
I found the technology easy enough to use, just a bit too fiddly for my liking.
I found the technology easy enough to use, just a bit too fiddly for my liking. Woolworths
Shoppers simply ask for a Scan&Go iPad-like device that attaches to a Scan&Go trolley and scans items as they shop.
To pay for purchases, shoppers then attend one of the Scan&Go checkout locations which is pretty advanced. The trolley is scanned to ensure all of the items have been entered, and then the shopper pays for their purchases.
After that it's simply a matter of returning the device to the Service Counter, loading up your car and heading home.
Woolworth's Scan&Go technology began rolling out to select locations in August 2024 and it was understood if all went well, it would continue to roll out to more locations.
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Then Coles introduced their Smart Trolley technology in November 2024. Coles
Then Coles introduced their Smart Trolley technology in November 2024, starting with a trial at the Richmond Traders store in Melbourne. Coles' Smart Trolley technology was developed with Instacart which used AI features, sensors, and built-in scales.
They operate similarly to Woolworth's Scan&Go trolleys, allowing shoppers to scan and pay for items directly in the cart.
But as of January 2026, all has fallen silent on the new trolley technology front at both Woolworths and Coles, which as left me wondering if the trial has been a success, or if such technology may not be part of the future of supermarket shopping in Australia.
When I asked Woolworths if there are plans to expand their Scan&Go technology program, I was told they had "no comment" on that aside from an update on what is currently in place.
Meanwhile, a Coles spokesperson told nine.com.au: "We're continually looking for ways to improve the shopping experience at Coles, including exploring and learning more about how our customers prefer to shop.
"Shoppers have responded positively to the Smart Trolley experience, particularly the ability to track their spend in real time to help manage their budget, pack as they shop, and streamline the checkout process by paying directly on the trolley and heading straight out."
'We're continually looking for ways to improve the shopping experience at Coles.' Coles
They too declined to comment when asked if Smart Trolleys will be made available at further, if not all, locations at a later stage.
This makes sense.
Both Woolworths and Coles have been focused on improving their grocery collection and delivery options, increasing the number of collection and delivery slots and shortening the times to two hours and under.
Both Woolworths and Coles have been focused on improving their grocery collection and delivery options. Woolworths
It appears that most shoppers still prefer shopping in stores using standard trolleys and then making use of the many self checkouts now available at all Woolworths and Coles locations, or one of the staffed checkouts still featured in most stores.
Those who don't shop in stores are making use of the improved collection and delivery slots.
Many shoppers do a combination of both, and shop at more than one grocery retailer to take advantage of all of the specials.
It appears that most shoppers still prefer shopping in stores using standard trolleys. Coles
Coles and Woolies have been focused on expanding their self checkouts, collection, and delivery options. Coles
It may be that Woolworths Scan&Go and Coles Smart Trolley technology is a step too far for most shoppers who may already feel they are working harder for their grocery purchases thanks to the successful rollout of self checkouts.
And that's fair enough.
For now, Woolworths Scan&Go technology is available in 34 stores across NSW, Qld and VIC.
I am told the technology is popular with those who want to track their spending as they go to ensure they stick to their grocery budgets and the plan is that over time Scan&Go will incorporate more features from the Woolworths app.
For now, Woolworths Scan&Go technology is available in 34 stores across NSW, Qld and VIC. Woolworths
Coles Smart Trolley trial is still only at Richmond Traders, Melbourne. As they are still still at the one location, I haven't had a chance to trial this.
Smart Trolley is available for free without needing an app, and customers are encouraged to scan their Coles app or Flybuys to earn Flybuys Points.
Both Woolworths and Coles tell nine.com.au they plan to continue monitoring use of Scan&Go and Smart Trolleys in future.
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