Laurie, and Smart Carts

Uncategorized 1 Minute

Today is a time to think about the value and dignity of work.

I was recently checking out at the grocery store, and chatting with my friend Laurie, who works at the cash register.

I always turn items so that bar codes face towards Laurie, so that she can see them, and scan them more easily. Laurie has thanked me for doing this, as it makes her work a little easier.

She has told me a few times that she fears that her job may soon be eliminated, as technology advances. She left school at 16 to have her son, and she believes that job opportunities are limited for her. She is dependent on her job.

Laurie may be right. Already, Smart Carts are in use in some Sobeys grocery stores in Canada, and at the US chain Kroger.

The carts automatically calculate the price of items placed in the cart, and allow customers to pay directly, thus eliminating the work of cashiers.

Let us pray for those who would like to work but have no jobs, for those who work hard at jobs but still remain poor, and for those whose jobs are in danger of being eliminated.

Jesus clearly demonstrated the dignity of work. He, and his foster father, Joseph, were carpenters.

Internet photo of Smart Carts.

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Published by Sally

I am a retired Sociologist/Educator from Ontario. I now live at the very edge of the North American Continent. I spend my time in contemplation, spiritual reading , intercessory prayer, and maintaining a spiritual garden grotto as a place of prayer in my backyard by the Atlantic.

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48 thoughts on “Laurie, and Smart Carts”

  1. Not only was Jesus a member of the working class, most of his disciples were as well. As you said, many are part of the working poor have no safety net. Their job is literally their lifeline. I join you in prayer for them today. Blessings!

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    1. Yes, the rapid growth of technology can be intimidating, but on the other hand, through technology, I can tap letters on my little iPad, and instantly communicate to the rest of the world, while I live in isolation on a cliff overlooking the sea. 🌷🌼🤗

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  3. Hi Sally, I think that today in particular the speed in which technology is advancing is quite frightening, we have cars built by robots, in our local supermarkets people are encouraged to use self scan, the printing industry is now very computerised, certainly 1 company that I know of that produces business cards online are not touched by a human hand until they are handed over to the post office.
    I believe that we should pray for a greater understanding of our roles in society, for the knowledge and direction regarding the employment opportunities that are open to us and for Governments to unite in finding solutions to this most pressing of problems.
    May God continue to bless your life and the lives of those whom you come into contact with.

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    1. Thanks, Paul, for your insightful comments. Certainly the nature of work is changing very quickly. Many people in my community have no work, or work only seasonally.

      And, alas, as work becomes more rare, this creates the possibility of more exploitation of workers.
      Thanks for your kind wishes.
      Blessings and peace to you as well. 🌼🤗

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  4. I would not go to a store that had these. Just a number. Soulless stores only carinv about thr bottom line. Greed gallore. I would go where people are, they work, they talk to you about their day. I would simply not go to a “smart” cart store. Horrible, did not know they existed. Yuck!

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    1. Yes, I agree. Greed galore.
      Apparently, regular grocery carts cost about $100, while smart carts cost between $5,000 and $10,000, and yet they are being promoted to supermarket owners, for the exact reason that you say . The carts would eventually increase ‘profits’ for store owners. Greed galore, as you say.
      Thanks, Tonya. 🌼🤗🌷

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  5. I join you in prayer for them. It is inevitable that technology will be the cause for the loss of certain jobs, I pray that for anyone facing something like that God will make a way for alternative ways to work.
    I have never seen smart carts….fascinating.

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  10. We have a similar system called “scan and go” in supermarkets in Scotland, where you scan and bag as you shop then swipe your scanner at a computer to pay. These systems my be convenient but they are not without errors. Give me a cashier to chat with any day…I can hardly share the Gospel with a computer!

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    1. So interesting, Alan, to see all the changes in technology, and to learn about ‘scan and go’.
      It is wonderful of you to share the Gospel with so many others.
      Blessings, brother. 🌷🤗🌼

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  11. Sadly, there is coming a day when all you will have to do is show the Mark on your hand or forehead to buy and sell. We hope we are not here for that development, but it IS coming. And now the technology is already here for it; we just “need” digital currency that is acceptable anywhere in the world. 😲

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    1. Yes, I agree, and the developments are proceeding so quickly. And Bitcoin, and other currencies may make cash obsolete faster than we realize.

      Throughout it all, Jesus asks us to trust, and not be afraid.
      I appreciate your comment. 🌼🤗

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  12. I wholeheartedly agree with you. I never like self-checkout lines, so I won’t like smart carts because it eliminates someone’s job. Not everyone is college or have the funds to afford higher education, so where does that leave people like your friend?

    Plus, I feel if I have to pay the for their merchandise, do me the courtesy of ringing it up and bagging it! This system is so impersonal for toward customer and uncaring for the welfare of their employees

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    1. So true, Georgetta – the system definitely is uncaring of the welfare of their employees. Everything is geared towards profits for the store owners. 🌼🌷

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      2. Yes, always, for sure. That is their job, to think of the welfare of people, and their need for meaningful work. Thanks. 🤗🌼🌷

        Liked by 1 person

  16. Wow, I have not heard of smart carts before. That is scary and sad. Technology can be a blessing and a curse. People need jobs and technology that takes away those jobs can turn out to be destructive. Thank you for sharing on this important topic. Definitely praying for Laurie and others in her situation.

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    1. Thanks so much , Bridget.
      One of the jobs that is not in danger of being replaced by technology, is the work of a writer of original material. 🌷🌼🤗

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  17. Thank you for sharing this because I have started using self-check out without thinking of the possibility of people losing their jobs. Since your post and followers have my attention, I will ensure to use registers with a cashier.

    For some reason, today I had to follow you again. Have a great day/night and remain safe.

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  18. I’ve always disliked self-checkout lines because I’m always afraid I’ll do it wrong, plus I’d much rather deal with a real person than with a computer, as much as I love my computer at home.

    Also, I’d never heard of Smart Carts until I read your blog today, but I already know that I hate them. Once again, if I had to use them I’d be afraid of doing it wrong, plus I really dislike that much automation. As prone as humans are to making mistakes, I’d much rather interact with humans than have to deal with computers all the time.

    And then there’s driverless cars!! I REALLY don’t trust them!!

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  19. Wow! This is my first time seeing smart carts. If a lot of people will lose their jobs due to technological advancement, we need to start encouraging people to think proactively and more creatively. I pray that creative businesses will emerge this season.

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