Tesco is set to bring autonomous cleaning robots to 600 of its small format stores in a bid to free up time for colleagues.

The robots, manufactured by cleaning technology firm ICE, are designed to work alongside staff, taking over routine floor cleaning and allowing humans to focus on customer service, according to the firm.

Staff will also receive comprehensive training on the technology, which is backed by intelligent data tracking and reporting, ICE said.

The pair claim that this rollout is the first deployment of its scale in the UK’s convenience sector.

Mark Bresnihan, chief executive at ICE said: “As long-standing pioneers in cleaning technologies, ICE is delighted to partner with Tesco on this project. 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.”

Smaller deployments of robot cleaners at supermarkets including Asda and Morrisons have been reported by local outlets since 2020, but recent months have seen larger-scale operations.

In April, French supermarket chain Auchan began a rollout of cleaning robots as part of its in-store modernisation efforts, according to partner Gausium. Earlier in June, Swiss discount supermarket chain Denner deployed 200 cleaning robots across its network.

In the UK, robot usage has grown in warehouses and distribution centres, including a recent automation by Asda that could cost as many as 1,000 jobs.

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