FamilyMart deploys restocking robots to ease staffing crunch

Japanese convenience chain to roll out automation tech at 300 outlets by 2025

20220809 Family Mart Robot

FamilyMart's restocking robot takes a drink from the inventory shelves on the left and replenishes a retail case on the right. (Photo courtesy of FamilyMart)

KEIGO YOSHIDA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Japanese convenience store chain FamilyMart will take on robots to restock refrigerated beverage shelves, Nikkei has learned, helping to cut a branch's workload by about 20%.

The robots, developed by Tokyo startup Telexistence, will be added to 300 FamilyMart outlets by the end of March 2025 and stationed behind refrigerated cases to replenish drinks.

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