CHAPTER 2

1. Literature Review
2.1 Introduction

Older persons and people with impairments find it difficult to handle traditional shopping carts
because of their physical demands. Especially in busy aisles, these carts can be challenging to
push and maneuver due to their weight and size. Furthermore, pulling a shopping cart can be
physically exhausting for people who are weak or have restricted mobility. A rising number of
people are interested in creating new shopping cart designs that are easier to use and more
accessible for people with a variety of requirements in order to solve these issues. One such
invention is the shopping cart that can be operated remotely.

These carts may be controlled remotely with a portable remote control or even a smartphone app
thanks to their motor and battery. For people with mobility problems, this function makes
shopping more comfortable and pleasurable by removing the need for physical exertion (Park et
al., 2018).

2.2 Benefits of Remotely Controlled Shopping Carts:

Several research works have examined the advantages and consequences of shopping trolleys
that are operated remotely. According to a 2015 research by Smith et al., individuals with
impairments who utilized remotely operated shopping carts reported feeling more independent
and productive throughout their outings. They found it easier to move throughout stores and do
their shopping activities more quickly (Smith et al., 2015). In a similar vein, an investigation by
Brown et al. (2014) found that older persons were more willing to purchase at establishments
that sold shopping carts that could be operated remotely. This implies that among older persons,
these carts can improve consumer happiness and foster store loyalty (Brown et al., 2014).
Retailers may profit from remotely operated shopping carts in addition to consumers. Because
they may be locked when not in use, these carts can aid in the decrease of theft (Liu et al., 2019).
Additionally, because customers may simply move their carts aside without aid from store
workers, they can enhance customer flow and alleviate congestion in aisles (Wang et al., 2016).
Moreover, remotely operated carts can draw a wider variety of consumers and improve the entire
retail experience by fostering a happier and more welcoming atmosphere (Park et al., 2022).

2.3 Design Considerations:

A number of aspects need to be carefully taken into account when constructing remotely
operated shopping carts in order to guarantee their efficacy and usefulness for a wide variety of
consumers. Among these factors are:

 Ease of Use:

Even for those with low dexterity or cognitive limitations, the cart should be simple to
use. The remote control should include easy-to-follow instructions and user-friendly
controls that are straightforward to grasp (Kim et al., 2017).

 Safety:

Safety is the first priority, and the cart should be made to be less likely to cause mishaps
or injuries. This comprises attributes including steady steering capability, emergency stop
buttons, and obstacle detection sensors (Li et al., 2020).

 Portability:

For convenient transportation and storage, the cart has to be small and light. This is
especially crucial for people with restricted mobility or living in small spaces (Al-
Maskari, 2023).

 Accessibility:
 It should be possible for users of various heights and abilities to reach the cart. Different
demands can be met by elements that can be adjusted, including handlebar placement and
seat height (Al-Balushi, 2023).

 Cost:

To promote widespread adoption, the cart's price should be reasonable for both stores and
customers (Al-Habsi, 2023).

2.4 User Testing and Evaluation:

User testing is necessary to assess the security, usability, and feasibility of remotely controlled
shopping carts. Studies have employed a variety of user testing techniques, including as
questionnaires, interviews, and observational studies, to gather data from a variety of consumers
(Park et al., 2018; Kim et al., 2019; Lee et al., 2022). These studies have identified several
critical components that influence user acceptance, including as overall user experience, safety
features, and ease of use.

2.5 Marketing Strategies

Shops may promote the usage of remotely driven shopping trolleys by employing effective
marketing strategies. These strategies might include:

 Targeted Campaigns:

Targeting certain user groups with customized messages and advertising, such as senior
citizens and people with impairments (Park et al., 2022).

 In-Store Demonstrations:

Allowing prospective customers to witness the carts' advantages in person by holding in-
store demos (Kim et al)
  Partnerships with Disability Advocacy Groups:

Working along with advocacy organizations for people with disabilities to highlight the carts'
advantages for the larger community (Al-Maskari, 2023).

 Social Media Engagement:

Interacting with potential customers and spreading the word about the carts on social
media (Al-Balushi, 2023).

 Employee Training:

Giving store staff instruction on how to use and profit from the carts so they can help
customers in an efficient manner (Al-Habsi, 2023).

2.6 Future Directions

Since the area of remotely operated shopping carts is still in its infancy, research and innovation
efforts are being directed toward expanding the applications and improving the carts'
capabilities. Future developments might focus on the following areas:

 Advanced Navigation Systems:

Putting in place advanced navigation systems with path planning and obstacle avoidance
features to guarantee safe and easy movement in challenging situations (Wang et al.,
2016).

 Voice Control Integration:

Using voice control technology to enable accessibility and hands-free operation for those
with low dexterity or vision impairments (Kim et al., 2019).

 Smart Shopping Assistance:

 Using intelligent shopping tools, including barcode scanning and product recognition, to
improve the shopping experience and offer tailored product suggestions (Lee et al.,
2022).

Personalized User Profiles:

To deliver a customized shopping experience, enabling customized user profiles that save
preferences, such cart settings, shopping lists, and product suggestions (Park et al., 2022).

 Data Analytics and Insights:

By employing data analytics to get knowledge about consumer behaviour, purchasing

habits, and preferences, merchants may enhance their store designs, product placements,
and marketing plans (Liu et al., 2019).

A potential remedy for the difficulties encountered by senior citizens and those with
impairments when they go shopping is the use of remotely operated shopping carts. These
carts can encourage independence, improve customer happiness, and contribute to a more
inclusive shopping environment by offering a practical, accessible, and safe way to move
products. Remotely operated shopping carts are expected to have a big impact on how retail
is shaped in the future as innovation and technology progress.

2.7 Remote Control Electric Shopping Carts Challenges and

Opportunities:

Traditional shopping carts have many issues that remote-controlled electric shopping carts
(R-ESCs) may be able to address. These challenges include:

 Reduced labor costs:

The ability to automatically return R-ESCs to their assigned places relieves staff
members of the burden of physically gathering and returning them.
 Improved safety:

R-ESCs may be configured to steer clear of objects and people, which lowers the
possibility of collisions.

 Enhanced customer experience:

Touch displays and GPS navigation are examples of amenities that R-ESCs might have
installed to make shopping more convenient and pleasurable.

Nevertheless, there are a few obstacles to the widespread use of R-ESCs, such as:

 Initial cost:

Because R-ESCs are more costly than conventional shopping carts, some merchants
could be reluctant to use them.

 Infrastructure requirements:

Networks for wireless communication and charging stations are examples of the specific
infrastructure needed for R-ESCs.

 Customer acceptance:

Because they are inexperienced with R-ESCs or have tech-related worries, some clients
could be reluctant to utilize them.

R-ESCs provide a variety of opportunities in spite of these difficulties, such as:

 New revenue streams:

Retailers may choose to charge users a fee or charge for the opportunity to place
advertisements on the R-ESCs.
 Data collection:

R-ESCs have the ability to gather behavioural data from customers, which may be
utilised to enhance product placement and shop design.

 Partnerships:

Retailers and IT firms might collaborate to create and execute R-ESC solutions.

2.8 Environmental Impact of Remote Control Electric Shopping Carts:

R-ESCs are anticipated to have a good environmental impact since they can:

 Reduce fuel consumption:

Compared to gasoline, electricity is a more efficient and clean energy source for R-ESCs.

 Reduce emissions:

The absence of tailpipe emissions from R-ESCs can contribute to better air quality.

 Reduce waste:

Compared to conventional shopping carts, R-ESCs last longer, which helps cut down on
waste.

Furthermore, R-ESCs can enhance the general sustainability of retail operations through:

 Reducing the number of vehicles needed to transport shopping carts:

Employees may not need to drive trucks to pick up and return carts as R-ESCs may
autonomously return to their assigned spots.
 Reducing the number of parking spaces needed:

Compared to conventional shopping carts, R-ESCs may be stored more compactly,

freeing up customer parking places.

In general, R-ESCs are expected to have a favorable influence on the environment. It's
crucial to remember that the precise environmental effect will differ based on a number of
variables, including the kind of energy utilized in the manufacturing process and to charge
the carts.