Humanoid robots enter Danish supermarkets to transform night shifts forever

Humanoid robots are being tested in Danish supermarkets to revolutionize night shifts. Salling Group, a major retail company, is piloting the use of tall humanoid machines in a popular Føtex store near Copenhagen. These robots are designed to handle the repetitive and physically demanding tasks of unboxing heavy crates and placing items on shelves, which usually falls on store employees during night shifts.

The Danish company Hive Robots, in collaboration with the Chinese manufacturer Unitree, developed the artificial intelligence that controls these machines. Initially, remote-controlled sessions in summer 2026 helped the robots learn to handle delicate items like cereal boxes and glass jars. Project leaders anticipate the robots will autonomously restock shelves starting early 2027, working during the quiet night-time hours when store doors are closed.

However, the current AI operates at a slower pace than experienced human assistants and requires significant human guidance. Safety regulations in Denmark will need to adapt before these metallic assistants can freely roam among daytime shoppers. Future advancements could include the robots' ability to scan expiration dates, identify empty shelves, and clean up misplaced items.

Supermarket executives remain optimistic about the potential of this trial, which offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future of everyday food shopping. Lucy Ramnought, a local news writer, reports that this initiative is part of a growing trend of automated technology extending to transport hubs, such as Tokyo Haneda Airport.