Science & Tech · AI · 21 hrs ago
Denmark tests humanoid robots for supermarket shelf restocking
A Føtex supermarket near Copenhagen is testing humanoid robots to restock shelves.
Danish start-up Hive Robots developed the machines, which were built by China’s Unitree.
Since June, human operators have guided the robots as they learn to handle different products.
The goal is for them to restock shelves independently by early 2027, mainly at night when the store is closed.
Føtex says workers spend 40 to 50 per cent of their time replenishing shelves, and the retailer hopes robots can take on some of that repetitive physical work.
The machines may later check expiry dates, find empty shelves and spot misplaced goods, but they are currently slower than people and need close supervision.
Danish law would need to change before robots could operate autonomously among shoppers, so the trial is focused on work away from customers.
Humanoid robots are being tested at a Føtex supermarket near Copenhagen to restock shelves.
The machines were developed by Danish start-up Hive Robots and built by China's Unitree.
Human operators currently guide their movements as the robots learn to handle different products.
The trial aims for the robots to restock shelves independently by early 2027, mainly at night.
Føtex says workers spend 40 to 50 per cent of their time replenishing shelves.
- Who
- Danish start-up Hive Robots developed the robots, which were built by China's Unitree. Salling Group is involved in the wider trial.
- What
- Humanoid robots are learning to restock supermarket shelves.
- When
- The machines have been training since June. Independent restocking is an ambition for early 2027.
- Where
- A Føtex supermarket near Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Why
- The retailer hopes robots will take on repetitive physical work and give employees more time to assist customers.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
The robots have been training, with human operators guiding their movements.
The trial aims for the robots to restock shelves independently.
- Trial location
- Føtex supermarket near Copenhagen
- Developer
- Hive Robots, a Danish start-up
- Robot builder
- Unitree, China
- Shelf replenishment
- Workers spend 40 to 50 per cent of their time on it, according to Føtex
- Target
- Independent shelf restocking by early 2027
Sources
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