HIVE Robots Tests VR-Trained Humanoids for Overnight Retail Work in Denmark

Danish startup HIVE Robots is conducting live trials of humanoid robots for overnight shelf replenishment at a Føtex supermarket. The project utilizes Unitree hardware controlled by remote pilots via a low-latency virtual reality interface. This teleoperation model allows the robots to perform complex retail tasks while simultaneously gathering operational data to train future autonomous systems. While the current deployment focuses on human-robot collaboration during non-customer hours, HIVE aims to achieve independent restocking capabilities by 2027. The trial highlights a pragmatic, staged approach to automation, emphasizing that businesses should prioritize workflow analysis and defined pilot boundaries over immediate full autonomy. As regulatory and safety frameworks evolve, this model serves as a bridge, allowing retailers to test the feasibility of robotic assistance in real-world environments without requiring immediate, fully hands-off operations.