Belgian retailer Colruyt has launched an AI-powered smart cart, developed in-house, which it claims is the first of its kind in Belgium.

The self-scanning trolley uses smart sensors to enhance the in-store experience, allowing customers to shop more efficiently and check out without the assistance of a cashier.

The smart cart is activated via a mobile app, displaying the customer’s shopping list on the cart’s screen. As customers shop, the cart scans product barcodes, updates the list, and applies discounts automatically. If a customer wishes to return an item, the cart prompts them to identify the product, which can then be removed from the list using the trolley’s display. For loose items without barcodes, such as fruit and vegetables, customers can use a smart scale in-store to weigh and add these products to their purchase.

Colruyt has designed the trolley specifically for bulk shopping, enabling customers to place items directly into folding boxes and transfer them easily to their car, thanks to the cart’s open sides. The smart cart was developed by Colruyt Group Technics, the retailer’s innovation team, in collaboration with technology firm EXPRESSO. Colruyt provided expertise in computer vision, while EXPRESSO contributed advanced mechatronic systems and patented weighing technology.

The retailer states that this launch is part of a broader investment in the digitalisation of its stores, aiming to meet evolving customer needs in a rapidly changing retail environment. The introduction of the smart trolley is described as a milestone in this ongoing digital transformation.

Jo Willemyns, chief operating officer retail at Colruyt Group and general manager of Colruyt, said: “With the self-scanning trolley, we want to meet the needs of a specific group of customers who wish to shop more efficiently and benefit from the advantages that digitalisation can bring to the shopping experience. We will gradually increase the number of trolleys to make this option available to even more customers.”

Recent industry reports confirm a growing trend towards AI-powered retail solutions across Europe, with several major retailers piloting similar technologies to streamline checkout and improve customer convenience (see: McKinsey, 2025; Retail Gazette, 2025). However, Colruyt’s claim to be the first in Belgium with such a solution appears accurate as of September 2025.

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