Robots to stack shelves in new 7-Eleven trial | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentNext articleIndependent Bulletin homepageSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAnthony CuthbertsonWednesday 10 September 2025 16:34 BST7-Eleven has begun trialling robot workers in a Tokyo shop (Reuters)Japan's largest convenience store chain, 7-Eleven, has begun trialling robot workers in a Tokyo shop to address the country's severe labour shortage.The autonomous machines are designed to perform tasks such as stacking shelves and cleaning windows, with the store also featuring a self-checkout system linked to remote customer support.This initiative aims to boost productivity and innovate services, with 7-Eleven hoping for a full-scale introduction of robots in the future.Japan faces a significant worker deficit, projected to reach 3.4 million by 2030 and 11 million by 2040, largely due to its ageing and shrinking population.Additionally, 7-Eleven is testing four-wheeled delivery robots in Tokyo until February 2026, addressing both truck driver shortages and the needs of an ageing clientele.In fullJapan begins robot trials in 7-Eleven amid massive worker shortageThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in