Tesco has begun testing a life-sized, AI-powered robot that autonomously roams supermarket aisles to identify empty shelves, pricing mistakes, and misplaced products. The trial, conducted in a single UK store, marks the supermarket giant's first deployment of autonomous shelf-scanning technology.
Robot Specifications and Capabilities
The robot, named Tally and developed by Simbe Robotics, stands approximately 6 feet 6 inches tall. It uses artificial intelligence, computer vision, and advanced sensors to navigate the shop floor independently, continuously monitoring shelf conditions without requiring manual checks by staff. According to Simbe, the robot can detect up to 10 times more out-of-stock items compared to traditional manual audits.
Tally identifies out-of-stock products, pricing errors, and items placed in the wrong location. It generates prioritised reports that are sent to store colleagues via mobile apps or digital and printed reports, enabling faster resolution of issues.
Industry Expert Observations
Toby Pickard, Retail Futures Senior Partner at IGD, revealed the trial after spotting the robot operating inside a Tesco store. In a LinkedIn post, he noted that this is only the second time a major UK supermarket has trialled such technology, following Morrisons' earlier deployment. He wrote: “This marks a first for Tesco in the UK and only the second time we've seen a major UK retailer trialling autonomous shelf-scanning technology. Rather than relying on manual audits, the robot captures shelf conditions multiple times a day and provides store teams with prioritised action lists via mobile apps and digital or printed reports. The goal is simple: resolve issues faster, improve inventory accuracy, and free up colleagues to spend more time serving customers.”
Previous Trials and Future Plans
Tally has already been deployed by retailers in several countries worldwide. Last year, Morrisons became the first UK supermarket to trial the robot, introducing it at stores in Wetherby, Redcar, and Stockton. During the Morrisons trial, the robot was used to monitor shelf availability, check product placement, and ensure pricing and promotional information was displayed correctly. The technology aimed to reduce the time colleagues spent on routine shelf inspections, allowing them to focus on customer service.
Tesco plans to extend the trial to a small number of additional locations, though no specific timeline has been announced. The robot is designed to navigate around customers and obstacles using sensors, ensuring safe movement through the store.
