For the last couple of months, I’ve spotted the folks at Jaya Grocer, 1 Utama, testing out smart shopping carts, and recently they let visitors try them and offered a RM10 voucher to those who use the cart and spend RM100

On Saturday (November 30), I tried the smart shopping cart,

The cart was black and fitted with a computer, a display, a barcode scanner, status lights, cameras, and other sensors. It was connected to a network and required a JayaGrocer loyalty membership to use. 

With the touchscreen display, I could browse promotions and search for groceries. If an item is available, the cart could guide me to where it is in the store using a map and directions. Each Item added to the cart would be automatically tallied, making budget tracking easy. 

However, the store was too small for the smart shopping carts. The isles between shelves were barely enough for two people with shopping baskets to pass each other. In most places, a stationary cart would create congestion. 

The contraption itself had many limitations. Its most basic function was cumbersome to use. To add an item, I must first scan its barcode using the reader underneath the display. I must then hold on to the item as the cart slowly fetches and loads the information. Once it is done and with the cart stationary, I can place the item in the cart. Only then will the camera in the cart recognise the item and acknowledge it.

Also, because of the cameras and sensors, I cannot put personal items like a bag or my other shopping in the cart if I want it to work. 

As if blocking the isles each time I wanted to add an item was not embarrassing enough, the cart would announce each item added to it. Thankfully, it does not announce details of what I added to the cart out loud.

I could change my mind and remove an item, but only one at a time and slowly, for it to work automatically. Otherwise, for example, if I removed a few items at a time, I would have to identify them on the screen. Everyone around me would have known I had successfully done it, too. 

Because the system was still in its testing phase, a staff member had to check the contents of my cart, and I had to deal with a cashier at checkout. 

When fully launched, the smart shopping card will generate a QR code, which I can scan at the self-checkout counter to pay. 

As it was when I tried it, the smart shopping cart was detrimental to the shopping experience. It was a fun experience, but it was slow, inconvenient, and unwieldy. To me, using a basket and the self-checkout counter was the more efficient way to shop at Jaya Grocer. 

Still, I think the idea of a smart shopping cart is good. It is helpful in a large store with plenty of space and lots of difficult-to-find products, like an IKEA. To improve the experience further, items could be fitted with RFID tags, like at UNIQLO. That way, items can be added and removed from the cart automatically. 

Also, since items in the cart would still need to be packed, a packaging area like the ones at Donki would be useful.