British supermarket chain Sainsbury’s has launched SmartLists, an AI-powered shopping planner built into the company’s app.

The feature allows users to create shopping lists through typing or taking a photo of what they are looking for. These items are then matched to products stocked in Sainsbury’s, with users able to select from a range of possible options.

The feature works on more complex requests too, the supermarket said. For instance, the toolcan turn a request for spaghetti bolognese or a photo of an already written shopping list into a list on the app.

The launch is part of a wider overhaul of the Sainsbury’s app, which now brings together online grocery ordering, SmartLists, its rapid delivery service ChopChop, its scan-as-you-go offering SmartShop and rewards for its Nectar loyalty card. This will allow customers to access more of Sainsbury’s services in a single app, it said.

Ben Edge, director of product at Sainsbury’s, said: “We know our customers are busy and want shopping to feel simple, joyful and easy to fit around their lives. SmartLists is designed to take the effort out of creating and buying a shopping list, whether customers are typing, speaking or taking a picture of what they need.

“Alongside this, by bringing more of our services together in one app, we’re making it easier for customers to plan their shop, build their basket and find products in store, however and whenever they choose to shop with us.”

Sainsbury's has also incorporated AI into other areas of its business. In June, it began rolling out AI-powered safety cameras across its fleet of online delivery vans in a bid to reduce safety incidents.

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