Swiss discount supermarket chain Denner is deploying 200 autonomous cleaning robots from Chinese firm Pudu Robotics across its network.

The Pudu CC1 four-in-one cleaning robots form part of Denner’s broader modernisation programme and was driven by a growing operational need. The expansion of its fresh produce categories significantly increased the daily cleaning workload across stores, creating demand for efficient and consistent floor maintenance.

A pilot project in four branches a year ago provided the answer. The trial demonstrated that the robots could effectively handle this routine task. Denner confirmed that the devices, despite being small, were clearly visible, a key consideration for deployment during shopping hours.

“This deployment stems from a clear need: to maintain impeccable hygiene standards amid expanding fresh produce offerings, while alleviating the daily cleaning burden on store teams,” said Felix Zhang, CEO of Pudu Robotics. “Seeing the project scale from four pilot stores to a deployment of this size is a strong validation of both the technology and the operational value it delivers. It reflects a shared commitment to practical innovation and measurable day-to-day efficiency.”

Nihad Zoronjic, manager of Migros subsidiary Denner (www.denner.ch), cited the advanced engineering and design of the CC1 as key decision factors, noting its aesthetic aligned with the chain’s brand image. Its autonomous function, he added, were pivotal in scaling cleaning frequency and quality simultaneously.

The deployment was further enabled by the local partnership with Robobee (robobee.com), one of Pudu’s authorised distributors for the region. Robobee provided on-the-ground support, including project coordination, staff training and ongoing technical maintenance, ensuring a smooth and efficient rollout across Denner’s store network.

The CC1 (www.pudurobotics.com/en/products/cc1-pro) can clean up to 2000 square metres using only 15 litres of water, compared with more than 100 litres typically required in conventional manual cleaning processes. Smart IoT integration includes intelligent connectivity features to support real-time monitoring, automated scheduling and fully autonomous operation with low staff intervention.

Beyond hardware, Pudu (www.pudurobotics.com) developed a dedicated software mode to address the challenges posed by Europe’s naturally mineral-rich water, ensuring efficient operation and preventing scale build-up in Denner’s stores.