A hybrid vacuum-mop bot would’ve been cheaper
Some supermarkets have invested in these ridiculous-looking robots that pretty much do nothing. You can ask the robot for directions to certain items, though a human employee could easily point you in the right direction. But there is one advantage of such a robot: it alerts the staff if there’s a spill or mess on the ground.
No, it doesn’t clean the mess. It’s not a robotic vacuum cleaner, for goodness sake. It’s a… uh… what does this thing do again? Oh, right, it’s a pointer-in-the-right-direction-er. Those googly eyes are there just for style. They won’t stare at you creepily as you waddle toward the aisle with adult diapers.