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Air-powered shopping carts in grocery stores: a pilot study
Brandon Daveler1,2, Benjamin Gebrosky1, Ian Eckstein1
1Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Disability and Rehabilitation. Assistive Technology
|May 20, 2020
Summary
Air-powered shopping carts show promise as replacements for electric models, offering improved mobility for shoppers. User feedback highlights needs for better braking and speed in air-powered carts.
Area of Science:
- Assistive Technology
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Human Factors Engineering
Background:
- Motorized shopping carts enhance mobility for individuals with walking difficulties in retail environments.
- Electric-powered carts are common, but their feasibility and user experience warrant further investigation.
- Novel assistive devices are crucial for improving independence and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand the usage patterns of motorized shopping carts in grocery stores.
- To pilot test an air-powered cart as a potential replacement for electric-powered carts.
- To identify areas for improvement and preferred user demographics for air-powered carts.
Main Methods:
- Online surveys collected data on user demographics, shopping habits, and experiences with motorized carts.
- K-Means clustering analyzed user data to differentiate between air-powered and electric-powered cart users.
- Open-ended feedback was gathered to identify specific areas for cart improvement.
Main Results:
- A majority of users reported positive experiences with both air-powered (91%) and electric-powered (73%) carts.
- User demographics, specifically age and ownership of mobility devices, significantly influenced cart choice.
- Key suggestions for air-powered carts included improved braking, higher speed, and larger baskets; electric carts needed longer battery life.
Conclusions:
- Motorized shopping carts serve a diverse user base, including those without traditional mobility devices.
- Air-powered carts demonstrate potential as practical alternatives to electric carts, particularly for younger users without mobility devices.
- Incorporating end-user feedback in the design of assistive technologies like air-powered carts is essential for meeting user needs and enhancing quality of life.
