Kmart has confirmed that it’s rolling out new ‘self-navigating robots’ to stores nationwide.
The robots – named Tory – will cruise around the store to count stock.
They’re expected to land in the majority of stores by the end of 2022.
“Tory is Kmart’s self-navigating robot that counts our inventory through RFID [radio frequency identification] technology in-store overnight, on a daily basis,” Kmart Chief Customer Officer Lil Velis said. “When we have an accurate view of stock we can help more customers get the products they want, when they want it, whatever channel they are shopping with us.”
One person spotted Tory at her local Kmart in the Sydney suburb of Burwood, posting it to TikTok.
https://www.tiktok.com/@riakia82/video/7115805885238086913
The sign reads: “Hi! I’m Tory!
“Don’t mind me, I’m just counting stock on our shelves.
“No need to move out of my way… I’ll go around you!”
The online response to the robots have been mixed, with some complaining the robots would be taking jobs.
“This scares me, because I count stock for Kmart,” one person wrote.
Another added, “The robots are seizing control.”
