Tesco shoppers may soon notice a major new addition in hundreds of Express stores across the UK. The supermarket giant is rolling out autonomous cleaning robots to 600 of its Express stores in a significant shopfloor transformation aimed at boosting efficiency and freeing up staff time.
Tesco has partnered with cleaning technology company ICE to deploy the machines across its convenience store estate. The firms claim this is the largest deployment of its kind in the UK convenience sector. The robots will handle routine floor-cleaning duties, allowing shopfloor colleagues to dedicate more time to helping customers and managing daily store operations.
Robots Work Alongside Staff, Not Replace Them
Tesco stressed that the machines are designed to work alongside employees rather than replace them, with staff continuing to play a central role in store management. According to ICE, the technology will also deliver more consistent cleaning standards across Tesco's Express network. The robots use data tracking and reporting systems to monitor performance and ensure cleaning tasks are completed efficiently.
ICE chief executive Mark Bresnihan said the partnership demonstrated how automation could support retail workers rather than replace them. "As long-standing pioneers in cleaning technologies, ICE is delighted to partner with Tesco on this project," he said. "We are providing not just our industry-leading autonomous machines, but also the comprehensive training and service support required to make this a success. Together, we are showing how data-driven automation can work hand-in-hand with retail teams to improve cleaning standards."
Retail Automation on the Rise
The move comes as retailers increasingly turn to automation to streamline operations and improve the customer experience. Similar initiatives are already being introduced elsewhere in Europe. Swiss supermarket chain Denner, part of the Migros Group, is rolling out 200 cleaning robots across its stores as part of a wider programme to modernise operations and boost efficiency.
