Amazon Rolls Out Smart Shopping Cart to Whole Foods

Amazon (Seattle) has added new and improved features to the Dash Cart, according to a company press release. Amazon first introduced the Dash Cart in 2020 as a high-tech grocery cart that counts the items as they go in and charges a customer’s Amazon account. Since then, Amazon has made the carts available in its own Amazon Fresh stores across the U.S.

Amazon has taken customer feedback on the Dash Cart into consideration. This new version will include features like double the capacity, shelves added for various sized items, weather resistance and all-day battery life. The carts will also alert a customer when items are close by, allow a customer to search for specific items and show images of items on screen as needed.

The Dash Cart will also be introduced to a store outside of Amazon for the first time, as the Whole Foods Market in Westford, Massachusetts will have them as an option. Amazon is planning on extending the cart’s availability to more Whole Foods stores later.

Customers use the cart by using a QR code through the Amazon or Whole Foods app. They scan their items through a camera near the handlebar. The cart gives a running receipt of items added, and the card kept on file with Amazon will automatically be charged when exiting the store.