Tokyo has begun deploying humanoid robots in 20 of its convenience stores as part of a trial to combat the country’s deepening labor shortage. The robots, built by Japanese tech firm Telexistence, can stock shelves, answer customer questions, and even perform security checks.
Store managers say the bots work three times faster than humans and can operate round the clock. “We’re not replacing workers; we’re filling gaps no one wants to work,” said a FamilyMart spokesperson.
India’s retail tech sector is watching closely, especially large urban stores in metros like Bengaluru and Mumbai, where staffing remains a challenge. Discussions around AI and robotics in retail may gain new momentum in Asia.