Robots Are Coming, and They’re Taking Everything – Kroger Employees Feel the Heat!

Kroger is rolling out a new robotic workforce, and not everyone is thrilled. Shoppers in Greater Cincinnati have spotted tall, slender machines gliding through aisles, their blue lights blinking as they scan shelves.

The robots, named Barney, are part of a test run across 70 stores, with potential for a nationwide rollout. Developed in partnership with Badger Technologies, these machines are designed to track inventory in real time, ensuring shelves stay stocked.

Kroger has been tight-lipped about the specifics, but a spokesperson confirmed the robots are meant to enhance the customer experience. “We are always exploring new ways to create a more convenient and friendly customer experience,” they stated.

The company also emphasized that Barney is not replacing human workers but assisting them. “The robots help their human counterparts to more easily and quickly identify and address shelves where products are low or out of stock,” the spokesperson added.

Images of Barney in action show the robots shining bright lights on shelves, scanning barcodes, and logging inventory. But while some customers are intrigued, others are skeptical.

One shopper found the new technology fascinating, saying, “This would be awesome if it could check for expiration dates too.” Another described the program as “very cool.”

Not everyone shares that enthusiasm. Complaints have surfaced about Barney getting in the way, slowing down shopping trips. “He moves very slow and gets in the way of shoppers. I would recommend doing this in off hours,” one frustrated customer wrote.

Others questioned the robot’s effectiveness. “And managers still have to check shelves and prices because it does a poor job. Just like the rest of Kroger and the things they invest in,” a disgruntled shopper remarked.

Some are more concerned about the bigger picture—what this means for workers. “Great, more tech to put people out of a job,” one person noted, echoing fears that automation could replace human employees.

Kroger first introduced the pilot program in 2024. Shoppers curious about Barney can find an introduction tag on the machines. The note reads: “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.”

To ease privacy concerns, Kroger assures customers that Barney does not record personal information or take photos of shoppers.

As these robotic assistants become a more common sight, the debate continues. Are they a helpful innovation or an inconvenience? For now, Kroger is moving forward, and Barney is on the job.