Norwegian stores open to humanoid robots

Norwegian grocery chains are showing interest in humanoid robots after Denmark's largest grocery group, Salling Group, began testing them in stores. According to the report, Salling is using the robots to stock goods on shelves after closing time.

The Danish trial has caught the attention of Norway's grocery sector. Tom Daniel Sivertsen, head of the AI lab at NorgesGruppen, says the company follows the development of humanoid robots with great interest. He adds that the robots could become a supplement and support tool for human colleagues in stores, distribution and food production in the future.

The story is illustrated with a photo of a robot from Unitree, a Chinese company described as one of the world's leading makers of humanoid robots. The report does not say which robots Salling is testing, how many are in use, or when any Norwegian trials might begin.

The significance lies in what the comments signal. A Danish retail giant is already putting humanoid robots to work on a routine task, restocking shelves outside opening hours, and a major Norwegian chain is openly considering a similar role for them. NorgesGruppen frames the technology as an aid to staff rather than a replacement, and sees possible uses beyond the shop floor, including logistics and food production.

The piece was written by journalist Kristin Krog Mehammer and published on 24 October 2026.