Tesco rolls out cleaning robots and expands convenience stores across the UK

Tesco is strengthening its convenience store network in the United Kingdom, adding more small‑format Express and One Stop outlets and enhancing digital services, ready‑to‑eat meals and fresh‑food ranges to meet shoppers’ shift toward frequent, local trips.

In the first phase of a major automation programme, Tesco has deployed autonomous cleaning robots in 600 Express stores. The co‑bots, supplied by ICE, handle routine floor‑cleaning tasks, allowing staff to focus on customer service and more complex duties while providing managers with detailed performance data and hygiene reporting.

The moves aim to improve operational efficiency, store hygiene and customer experience as competition from discounters and other supermarkets intensifies.