Denmark tests humanoid robots in supermarkets for shelf restocking

A pilot project near Copenhagen is testing humanoid robots in Danish supermarkets to automate the restocking of shelves and reduce the physical workload of staff. Developed by the Danish company Hive Robots and manufactured by the Chinese firm Unitree, these AI-driven machines have been undergoing training since June.

Currently, human operators must direct the robots' movements to teach them how to handle various products of different shapes, sizes, and weights. The goal is for the robots to achieve full autonomy by early 2027, primarily working during night shifts when stores are closed. This shift aims to reallocate human labor, as employees currently spend between 40% and 50% of their workday on restocking tasks, allowing them to focus more on direct customer service.

Future applications for the technology include checking expiration dates, identifying empty shelves, and locating misplaced items. However, the robots currently operate more slowly than humans and require constant supervision. Additionally, legal frameworks in Denmark may need to be updated before these machines can operate freely among consumers during daytime hours.