A Hybrid RFID–IOT Framework for Smart Retail Carts with Real-Time Billing and Data-Driven Inventory Optimization

The rapid advancement of automation and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies has significantly transformed modern retail systems, aiming to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. Traditional shopping methods in supermarkets and malls often involve manual product scanning and long checkout queues, leading to increased waiting time and customer dissatisfaction. To address these limitations, this paper presents the design and development of an IoT-enabled Smart Shopping Cart system that automates product identification, real-time billing, and payment processes. The proposed system integrates embedded hardware components such as a microcontroller, RFID reader and/or barcode scanner, LCD display, wireless communication module, and optional weight sensor to ensure accurate and secure product handling. Each product is identified using RFID tags or barcodes, and the corresponding information is retrieved from a centralized database. The system dynamically updates the total bill as items are added or removed, allowing users to monitor their expenses in real time. Additionally, the integration of wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi enables seamless synchronization with a cloud-based server for inventory management, pricing updates, and transaction recording. To improve system reliability and prevent fraudulent activities, a weight validation mechanism is incorporated,which compares the measured weight of products with predefined values stored in the database. This enhances billing accuracy and reduces the risk of unscanned items. The system also supports optional digital payment integration, enabling customers to complete transactions directly from the cart, thereby eliminating the need for traditional checkout counters. Experimental evaluation of the proposed system demonstrates a significant reduction in billing time compared to conventional methods, along with high accuracy in product identification and transaction processing. The results indicate that the smart cart system can reduce checkout time by more than 50%, improve user convenience, and optimize retail operations. Furthermore, the modular design ensures scalability and adaptability for future enhancements such as artificial intelligence-based recommendations and customer behavior analytics. Overall, the proposed Smart Shopping Cart system offers a cost-effective, efficient, and user-friendly solution for modern retail environments. It not only enhances customer satisfaction by minimizing waiting time but also provides retailers with valuable insights for inventory control and decision-making. The system has strong potential for real-world implementation and can serve as a foundation for next-generation automated retail systems.