Abstract: A system and methods for shopping checkout includes shopping carts, on which are affixed one or more shopping cart identification (ID) tags; a checkout counter that includes a payment register and a checkout processor, and a store exit that includes an exit ID tag reader, an exit processor, and an alert device. The checkout processor is configured to receive payment approvals from the payment register, to receive ID values of shopping cart ID tags, and responsively to generate shopping cart approval records. The exit processor is configured to determine ID values of shopping cart ID tags from output of the exit ID tag reader, to confirm whether or not the ID values correspond to the shopping cart approval records, and, if not to signal a lack of approval at the alert device.

Abstract: A shopping cart and method of autonomous shopping are provided including a cart chassis, a scale configured to rest on base of the chassis, a basket resting on the scale, wherein weights of products placed in the basket are indicated by the output signal of the scale, a weight guard rail positioned above the product basket and attached to the cart chassis, a user identification unit, a payment module, and a motion sensor.

Abstract: A shopping cart and method of autonomous shopping are provided including a cart chassis, a scale configured to rest on base of the chassis, a basket resting on the scale, wherein weights of products placed in the basket are indicated by the output signal of the scale, a weight guard rail positioned above the product basket and attached to the cart chassis, wherein a downward force on the weight guard rail does not impose a downward force on the basket and is not indicated by the output signal provided by the scale, a user identification unit; and a payment module.