Denmark’s largest retail chain is testing robots that are being trained to stock supermarket shelves, with the aim of reducing the time employees spend on repetitive tasks and improving customer service.
Automation is gradually making its way into supermarkets, with Denmark’s Salling Group testing humanoid robots to restock shelves. The pilot program is taking place at a store of the Føtex chain near Copenhagen, with the goal of having the machines take on some tasks on their own in early 2027.
According to Euronews, the “Hive” robots were developed by Danish startup Hive Robots and manufactured by China’s Unitree. Their training began in June, with human operators guiding their movements so that the artificial intelligence systems learn to handle different products.
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Robots On The Night Shift
The goal is for the robots to be able to restock shelves on their own by early 2027, mainly taking on night shifts when stores are closed to the public.
The initiative is linked to Salling Group’s effort to reduce the time needed to replenish products. According to Føtex, employees spend about 40% to 50% of their time stocking shelves.
Handing part of this work over to robots could allow staff to focus more on customer service instead of repetitive manual tasks.
At a later stage, the machines could check expiration dates, spot empty shelves and identify products that have been placed in the wrong spot.
The Obstacles Before Full Automation
Despite the technology’s potential, the robots still move more slowly than humans and need close supervision. Making full use of them therefore remains a challenge.
At the same time, Danish law will need to be adjusted before they are allowed to operate on their own among customers. For this reason, the first phase focuses on tasks during night hours and in areas where no shoppers are present.
The trial is part of the broader strategy of Salling Group, which operates more than 2,000 stores in six European countries, to use artificial intelligence and robotics in running its stores.