Co-bots rule: Tesco completes initial phase of grocery retailer’s ICE store cleaning automation roll-out
ICE recently announced a partnership with Tesco, launching autonomous cleaning robots across 600 Express stores. The pair said that this was the first deployment of this scale in the UK convenience sector. The initial phase of the roll-out has now been completed.
The machines are designed as "co-bots" to work alongside Tesco colleagues. By taking over routine floor cleaning, they free up time for the store teams to focus on serving customers. The technology promises a highly consistent, premium clean every single day, backed by data tracking and reporting.
In a LinkedIn post, Tabitha Gafencu, Project Manager - Stores Transformation and Operations Development at Tesco, said: "600 stores. One vision. Countless people behind the success. We've officially completed the initial phase of our 600-store cleaning automation roll-out - the largest deployment of its kind delivered in the UK to date."
She added: "A project of this scale and complexity is never about one team alone. It has taken the commitment, collaboration, and dedication of many stakeholders across the business, store colleagues, shift leaders, store managers, ICE engineers and suppliers to turn a shared vision into reality."
"To celebrate this milestone, we visited 32 Tesco Express stores across Scotland this week, meeting the colleagues who have truly brought the programme to life. Hearing their feedback and seeing first-hand how automation is supporting teams while they focus on serving customers made the journey even more rewarding.
"A special thank you to my two Deployment Managers Jack Helyer and Jo Kimberlin , whose support throughout this deployment has been incredible. They've been the calm to my urgency, ensuring our stores and colleagues were supported every step of the way while helping keep this complex roll-out on track. I couldn't have asked for a better team alongside me on this journey."
She concluded: "This milestone isn't just about automation or technology. It's about partnership, innovation, and the incredible people who made it happen. 600 stores completed. A major milestone reached. Proud of what we've achieved together - and excited for what's next. Thanks to everyone that has been involved in this project!"
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Robots will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
