Sharing The Aisle With Robots - Is This Michigan's Grocery Future

Self-checkout has been part of our lives for decades, but Kroger's latest move takes grocery store automation to the next level.

Robots named 'Tally' and 'Barney' are only experimental at this point as Kroger has rolled out the inventory bots in two test cities, but if all goes well you may be sharing the aisles with them here in Michigan before long.

Meet Kroger's New Robots, Tally & Barney

Shoppers in Cincinnati and Indianapolis have been posting pictures of Barney and Tally on social media channels after they began rolling out bots a few months ago. Kroger is testing the program at 35 stores in each city, according to Supermarket News.

Barney's name is a nod to Kroger founder Bernard 'Barney' Kroger. The Cincinnati Enquirer notes that Barney sports an introductory note rather than a traditional name tag.

"Meet your new Kroger team member! ‘Barney’ is here to improve your shopping experience by scanning shelves for missing items and to ensure correct pricing."

The note also promises that Barney isn't taking customers' pictures or recording any of their personal information.

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What Are Kroger's New Robot Associates Doing?

The Cincinnati-based company hasn't been quick to share a lot of info about the pilot program, only saying that the robots are keeping an eye on inventory and making sure prices are updated correctly.

"We are always exploring new ways to create a more convenient and friendly customer experience," Kroger said in a statement, adding that the system "means our associates can more easily and quickly identify and address shelves where products are low or out of stock."

Kroger has not released a timeline on when the program will expand beyond its test markets.