The rise of technology in everyday tasks is raising questions about its impact on the workforce.

Recently, footage of a Woolworths robot seemingly collecting supermarket trolleys has sparked a debate across social media.

As some Aussies express concern about job security, others see potential benefits for workers. What does this mean for the future of retail jobs?

Footage of a Woolworths robot collecting trolleys in a store car park recently sparked a wave of reactions across social media.

While some Aussies voiced concerns about the potential for technology to replace retail workers, others saw it as a tool to ease the burden on staff.

The robot, with a flashing safety light and Woolworths branding, was filmed moving trolleys back into their designated bays.

Woolworths robot sparks debate on future of retail jobs. Image source: Tiktok/indians_in_brisbane_

It was unclear whether the video’s creator in Brisbane was a customer or an employee, but they joked that Woolworths had 'hired R2-D2' to perform the task, acknowledging the workers who previously carried out the job.

On social media, shoppers had mixed opinions, with many worried that such technology could take jobs away from 'desperate job seekers'.

'We are going to have so many problems with these,' one commenter said, while another feared it would result in job losses.

However, some people applauded the innovation, believing it would reduce the physical strain on employees.

Woolworths clarified that the robot is not meant to replace workers but rather assist them.

The company said their 'Green Machines' have been used for years to support staff, especially in difficult car park areas with inclines or ramps.

A Woolworths spokesperson explained: 'These innovative aids make navigating challenging carparks smoother for our team members, particularly in areas with inclines or ramps. And they ensure we have trolleys ready for our customers when they need them.'

The technology had been introduced in over 10 Brisbane stores, where the robots work alongside staff members.

In the current setup, employees steer the trolleys at the front of the line, while the robots handle the weight at the back.

Retail union secretary Josh Cullinan weighed in on the debate, saying that the technology is unlikely to replace workers.

'It looks like a human controlled device that pushes the trolleys and assists the worker, not that it is working autonomously,' he said.

Cullinan also likened the robot to the introduction of electric pallet jacks, which have made the task of moving heavy stock much easier for workers.

'If it’s a device to help control and push trolleys and it takes the weight off a human being, then that is something we support,' he added.

While the idea of robots in retail may sound concerning to some, it seems this technology is here to stay – but for now, it’s focused on making workers' jobs easier, not replacing them.

Watch the footage below.

Source: Tiktok/indians_in_brisbane_

In a previous story, we explored how technology is changing the shopping experience in Australian supermarkets.

With Coles now rolling out its own innovative tech, the future of shopping could look very different.

Find out how Coles' new technology is shaping the way we shop today.

Key Takeaways

• Footage of a Woolworths robot collecting trolleys sparked a debate on social media about its impact on jobs.
• Some Aussies are concerned about job loss, while others see the technology as a helpful tool for workers.
• Woolworths clarified that the robots assist staff, not replace them, and have been in use for years.
• Retail union secretary Josh Cullinan supported the technology, likening it to other tools that assist workers.

As technology continues to shape our daily lives, do you think robots like these will make work easier or cause more problems for workers? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

 

[GranniCaz]

Robots turnup to work, don’t take sickies, don’t shirk or abuse their responsibilities, don’t whinge, don’t need to wash themselves or their clothes, don’t report to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol, don’t abuse their colleagues, customers or their managers….. and don’t vegetate on the dole !

 

[Koda]

What do they care about jobs you don’t have to pay a robot wages nor super they have already done it at the checkouts

 

[IAN3005]

Robots turnup to work, don’t take sickies, don’t shirk or abuse their responsibilities, don’t whinge, don’t need to wash themselves or their clothes, don’t report to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol, don’t abuse their colleagues, customers or their managers….. and don’t vegetate on the dole !

The saved labour costs are enormous.

 

[Choc88]

We have one of these at our local Woolworths- it’s a small store in a quiet location
we often see female staff returning trolleys- the “robot” doesn’t retur the trolleys by itself it assists the staff member - I think it’s a great idea

 

[Towing]

What happens if you are shopping, the robot fails and simply stops. How many people are going to get hurt because they have not stopped walking quickly enough. Robots have to have some source of "power". I wonder what it is and whether or not it is safe. Companies might have to increase their public liability insurance too

 

[Clancieblue]

We have one of these at our local Woolworths- it’s a small store in a quiet location.
We often see female staff returning trolleys- the “robot” doesn’t return the trolleys by itself it assists the staff member - I think it’s a great idea.

Got to be better for the staff's backs.

 

[youngy650]

I think that these robots should not be allowed. When you watch the news and they talk about is unemployment. I realise that technology is important all it is creating more and more unemployment. It just dosent seem right to me.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Robots turnup to work, don’t take sickies, don’t shirk or abuse their responsibilities, don’t whinge, don’t need to wash themselves or their clothes, don’t report to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol, don’t abuse their colleagues, customers or their managers….. and don’t vegetate on the dole !

Run into moving and stationary cars, plough down pedestrians, run through plate glass shop windows....

And don't operate in the event of an internet outage!

Sort of sounds like the Tesla autonomous car. An accident waiting to happen!

 

[Shellface]

I'm worried about robots taking over jobs.what will everyone do.?.
I'm also worried about the amount of robots being built into armies

 

[Catherines]

Then their lithium ion batters will fire off by themselves and we will have multiple cars catching fire as a result. Don’t like this idea at all - and it takes away jobs.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Then their lithium ion batters will fire off by themselves and we will have multiple cars catching fire as a result. Don’t like this idea at all - and it takes away jobs.

What an excellent point!

 

[DLHM]

This point seems to be missed:
“Woolworths clarified that the robots assist staff, not replace them, and have been in use for years.”