Zwolle branch of DIY store Hornbach now has a robot

Hornbach has introduced a robot to its Zwolle store, making it the first retailer in the Netherlands to deploy such technology, RTL reports.

The robot, named Zippie, scans store shelves to detect which products are nearly empty, helping staff restock items.

Hornbach said Zippie does not replace any employees. Instead, the robot frees up staff to assist customers. “This way, empty shelves are prevented, colleagues have time to help customers, and customers don’t miss out,” a Hornbach spokesperson told RTL.

Zippie completed a six-month trial period in Zwolle before full deployment. The robot was programmed to navigate the store safely, and no collisions have been reported. The company added that customers, particularly children, have responded positively.

The robot’s camera is designed to avoid capturing identifiable images of people, and all footage is deleted after 14 days.

Hornbach plans to expand Zippie to a German store next month. Similar robots have been tested abroad. Supermarket chain Spar trialed a robot named Tally in Wenen and Eisenstadt, Austria, last year to scan shelves. In 2019, Tally was also tested at a Decathlon store in the United States.