Kaufland tests cleaning robots – cleanliness 2.0 in supermarkets!

Kaufland tests cleaning robots – cleanliness 2.0 in supermarkets!

In an exciting innovation for retail, Kaufland is currently testing autonomous cleaning robots in selected stores. This attempt is intended to not only increase efficiency but also improve customers' shopping experience. The robots are on the move in Cologne-Merheim, Nürtingen, Hechingen, Heidelberg-Rohrbach and Eberbach to clean the sales area independently. State-of-the-art sensors are used that detect obstacles and optimize cleaning Ruhr24 reported.

As part of this test, which is scheduled to last until the end of the year, Kaufland will ensure that the robots can work both during the day and outside opening hours. The main goal is to observe customer reactions and the quality of cleaning. No employee is replaced, but rather the workload is relieved, which Tino Mehrlein, head of international sales, describes as a win-win situation for the employees. This also emphasizes Kaufland, by using the robots to support employees and automate routine tasks.

Diverse test locations and deployment strategies

The selected branches represent different scenarios: from small shops to two-story and large center spaces. This allows Kaufland to simulate different shopping situations and test the cleaning quality under realistic conditions. The robots are also equipped with functions that allow them to adapt their routes in order to be able to clean effectively even during busy opening times.

Another aspect of this project is the planned testing in an additional branch in Heilbronn, where the robots will only be used at night. Adjustments are required here to ensure smooth communication with the alarm system and control of the roller shutter. This shows that Kaufland is always looking for innovative solutions to shape the retail industry of the future. This strategy is also clear in the call for proposals on the Innovation Hub for start-ups in the field of robotics, such as Kaufland press release reported.

Robots in everyday life in supermarkets

The topic of robotics in retail does not go unnoticed. Various robot solutions have also been tried out in other supermarkets. While such technologies are often viewed as a gimmick, they could potentially help address the industry's workforce shortages. Experts such as Professor Stephan Rüschen from the DHBW express concerns that robots could cause disruptions during peak times. Nevertheless, the German trade association sees the innovation as an advantage for heavily frequented markets where the shortage of personnel is noticeable. A data analysis by daily news also shows that the number of self-checkout lanes has increased significantly in recent years, which underlines the trend of automation in retail.

It will therefore be exciting to see how robot practice in Kaufland stores develops and whether the test results have a positive impact on the customer experience. Retail is facing a turning point in which digital technologies and human workforce must work hand in hand to remain successful in the future.