Instacart, a smart cart solutions provider, has introduced several upgrades to its Caper Cart smart cart solutions. The upgrades include enhanced AI models that improve speed and precision of camera and weight sensors, enhancing the performance of the carts and improving detection of suspicious activity.

The company also introduced a feature that enables customers to directly order made-to-order items, such as deli sandwiches or custom cakes, using smart carts. The customers are notified when the orders are ready for pickup. The solution is powered by Instacart’s order management solution, “FoodStorm.” 

The new Caper Cart features also include a new in-store rewards system, which enables stores to offer incentives such as points, coupons, and badges to increase customer engagement and promote purchases of certain items. 

Instacart also launched a new “Caper Cart dock” for storage and charging of the carts. The solution supports stacked charging, enabling the carts to be stored in stacks, similar to traditional grocery carts. 

Analyst QuickTake: The news closely follows InstaCart’s announcement of its IPO plans . The company has focused on enhancing its retail technology offering during the past year. In September 2022 , Instacart launched “Connected Stores,” a suite of in-store tech for retailers, which included technologies such as an upgraded version of Caper Cart, a Scan & Pay mobile app, and Carrot Tags, which are special e-ink price tags that can assist shoppers in finding items in the stores.