Robots serve as a modern visual indicator of a retailer's commitment to innovation. More than 70% of consumers see stores with robots as forward-thinking, customer-focused, and growth-oriented. About 75% of consumers consider robots a sign that a retailer is proactively investing in improving the shopper experience.
Various industry experts and retailers have differing views on in-store robots in the grocery sector. To develop a comprehensive 360-degree perspective, we adopted a different point of view by examining shoppers' responses to these robots. Here is what we found.
Shoppers are increasingly perceiving in-store robots as a key differentiator, signaling innovation and addressing core retail challenges. Recent research we conducted in the grocery sector reveals that 90%+ of shoppers interviewed view retail robots favorably or neutrally, and 70%+ are more inclined to visit stores that include them in the shopping experience. In-store robots have become a crucial component in shaping both today’s and tomorrow's shoppers' experience.
Today, shoppers are differentiating retailers that use robots based on several key realities:
1. Banner Innovation and Customer Focus
2. Resolution of Common Pain Points
Shoppers value robots more for their ability to solve specific shopping issues, like keeping items in stock, ensuring prices.
Additionally, Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) models will continue to lower retailers' initial costs.
Strategic Adoption:
Instead of flashy maneuvers, the 2026 focus will be on high-yield activities such as shelf scanning, ensuring product availability throughout the supply chain, consistently checking pricing and promotions, all while enhancing associate productivity.
Customer engagement and support:
Better accessibility features, such as multilingual support and voice and visual prompts, will improve the shopping experience for everyone.
Evolving Workforce Roles:
Rather than eliminating jobs, robots will transform workforce roles. Employees will move from repetitive scanning tasks to more substantive service and sales functions. Training will emphasize supervising robots, handling exceptions, and performing basic maintenance.
Bottom line:
In 2026, the focus will shift significantly to practical robots handling essential tasks such as in-store shelf optimization, inventory management, merchandising collaboration, and associate productivity. Embrace this transformative shift to position your business for success.