Meet ‘Barney’: Kroger’s new test robot checks prices, shelves for missing items – Kroger is testing new robot technology to keep closer tabs on inventory in a pilot program in 35 Cincinnati stores.

From the article

In the past few months, Greater Cincinnati [Kroger](https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kroger.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cacoolidge%40CINCINNA.GANNETT.COM%7Cf41641af03674a9c21a608dd582c86dd%7Cbc924c8d3e164e88bf26d7fcfb14f2d5%7C0%7C0%7C638763670439377995%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zQ%2BasgCKs69oUpnUxgtHbx3t4FvxCTKRwUY%2BRZwVWH4%3D&reserved=0) shoppers may have noticed something out of the ordinary: a robot with shining blue lights, perusing shelves and casting a narrow ray of bright light at [merchandise](https://www.cincinnati.com/story/money/2025/02/27/trumps-25-tariffs-on-mexico-and-canada-may-mean-bigger-grocery-bills/80016163007/).

Fear not. These are not our new robot overlords, but a pilot program in 35 [local stores](https://www.thekrogerco.com/contact-us/our-divisions/) testing the new technology to keep closer tabs on inventory in “real-time.” [Kroger officials](https://www.thekrogerco.com/) are tight-lipped about the project, offering few details:

“We are always exploring new ways to create a more convenient and friendly customer experience,” the Cincinnati-based supermarket chain said in a statement, adding that the robotic system “means our associates can more easily and quickly identify and address shelves where products are low or out of stock.”