Japan begins robot trials in 7-Eleven amid massive worker shortage
Robots to stack shelves in new 7-Eleven trial
- Japan's largest convenience store chain, 7-Eleven, has begun trialling robot workers in a Tokyo shop to address the country's severe labour shortage.
- The autonomous machines are designed to perform tasks such as stacking shelves and cleaning windows, with the store also featuring a self-checkout system linked to remote customer support.
- This initiative aims to boost productivity and innovate services, with 7-Eleven hoping for a full-scale introduction of robots in the future.
- Japan faces a significant worker deficit, projected to reach 3.4 million by 2030 and 11 million by 2040, largely due to its ageing and shrinking population.
- Additionally, 7-Eleven is testing four-wheeled delivery robots in Tokyo until February 2026, addressing both truck driver shortages and the needs of an ageing clientele.