Poles broadly support robots in stores, but draw a clear line at decision-making

Polish shoppers appear open to seeing humanoid robots in stores, but they want machines to remain assistants rather than decision-makers. The survey found the strongest support for predictable tasks such as providing information, helping customers and replenishing shelves.

Some 32.4% of respondents said robots could provide information about a product’s price, ingredients and availability. A similar share, 32.3%, would have them show shoppers where products are located, while 32% would accept their help in placing goods on shelves and restocking them.

Support was lower for informing customers about promotions, bringing products from shelves or storage areas, checking back-room availability, and monitoring safety. Some 25.7% accepted robots observing situations and alerting employees to hazards. The question did not cover robots intervening on their own.

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This result indicates considerable social openness, although curiosity about new technology must be clearly distinguished from its actual and lasting acceptance.

Only 11% of respondents rejected any robotic work in stores. Arkadiusz Cybulski of Brave Mind Fighters said the result showed social openness, while cautioning that the survey measured acceptance of specific tasks, not a preference for robots over people. He also noted that humanoid robots are not yet present in Polish retail, so consumers mainly know them from social media, videos and technology demonstrations.

The survey was conducted for Brave Mind Fighters, a company operating in the humanoid-robot market. The report also said 37% of Polish consumers now admit to using AI while shopping, nearly half as many again as the previous year. Most reported positive experiences, although older consumers remained distrustful.

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The survey measured acceptance of specific tasks, not choosing a robot instead of a human.