Floor-Cleaning Robot in an “Auchan” Store: A Complex Case

Ideal Site? Not Quite

When our engineers first evaluated the Auchan hypermarket as a testing site for the Unit floor-cleaning robot, it seemed like an ideal option: wide aisles, minimal stationary obstacles, and smooth surfaces. However, reality turned out to be more complex than expected — this case became one of the most challenging in the history of our pilot projects.

5 Unexpected Challenges

1. “Invisible” obstacles
   Semi-transparent shopping carts that LiDAR detects worse than solid objects, combined with their chaotic placement.

2. People — the most unpredictable factor
   Shoppers often do not notice the robot, even when it emits sound signals.

3. Dynamic environment
   Constant restocking in aisles reduces available working space.

4. Tricky surfaces
   Shiny refrigerator bumpers can “blind” sensors, while uneven tiles reduce suction efficiency.

5. Strict customer requirements
   — Insufficient cleaning of dried stains (solution: brush upgrade or switch to pads)
   — Problematic zones near pallets (adjusting offsets)
   — Limited route (the robot currently cannot detect dirt outside the programmed path)
   — “Dancing” in place when blocked (algorithm optimization)

What Worked Perfectly

✔ Zero collisions — despite the complex environment
✔ Stable route execution in open areas
✔ High reaction speed in crowded conditions

Conclusion: Why the Market Needs This

Auchan became a real stress test for Unit. If the robot performs here, it is ready for:
— Shopping malls
— Logistics hubs
— Industrial facilities

Next steps:
— Implementation of AI for off-route dirt detection (Q3 2025)
— Retail partnership program (discounts for the first 10 clients)