Tesco is rolling out autonomous cleaning robots across 600 Express stores, taking repetitive cleaning tasks off shopfloor staff.

It partnered with cleaning technology firm ICE on what the pair claim is the first deployment of its scale in the UK convenience sector.

The machines are designed to work alongside Tesco colleagues rather than replace them, taking on routine floor cleaning so store teams can spend more time serving customers and managing day-to-day shop operations.

ICE said the robots will also give Tesco more consistent cleaning standards across its convenience estate, with data tracking and reporting used to monitor performance.

ICE chief executive Mark Bresnihan said the partnership showed how automation could support retail teams rather than sit separately from 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.”

Similar projects are starting to gather pace across Europe. Swiss discount supermarket Denner, part of Migros Group, is deploying 200 PUDU CC1 cleaning robots across its store network in partnership with Pudu Robotics and regional distributor Robobee.

The rollout forms part of Denner’s wider modernisation programme, which is focused on improving operational efficiency and the in-store customer experience.

Pudu Robotics founder and chief executive Felix Zhang said the pilot had shown that robotics could become “a reliable, safe, and integral part of the daily retail environment”.

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