Why some Walmart customers may not be 'happy' with new robot security guards

Walmart

has introduced a new security initiative featuring robot security guards at some of its retail stores across the US. This move seems to have appeared to be causing some dissatisfaction among shoppers. These robots are being deployed to patrol store parking lots across the country. A customer in Bentonville, Arkansas, posted a TikTok video capturing one of these robot security guards patrolling a Walmart parking lot. The video, shared by @goldpinemusic, quickly went viral. In the video, the TikTok user is seen following the robot and asking it questions, such as "What's your name?" Other shoppers present also displayed interest in the new security measures, with one woman in the video observed attempting to take a close-up photo of the robot.

Why some Walmart customers may not be happy with these robot security guards

With tariffs, rising costs, and supply chain disruptions impacting businesses nationwide, Walmart has recently faced criticism from customers. Its latest robot-related expansion, shown in a TikTok video, has only added fuel to the fire. “That’s why the prices are gonna be going up,” one viewer commented on the video.

Many other commenters also voiced their disappointment with the retail giant.“Walmart will do anything and everything to not pay somebody,” another user posted.“We should have kept our local grocery stores in business,” a third user wrote.This comes after

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon

, during a mid-May earnings call, warned: “We will do our best to keep our prices as low as possible. But given the magnitude of the tariffs, even at the reduced levels announced this week, we aren’t able to absorb all the pressure given the reality of narrow retail margins.”Earlier, in a statement to The New York Post, a Walmart spokesperson said: “Pricing fluctuations are a normal course of business and are influenced by a variety of factors.”

Walmart’s history with robots at stores

Walmart’s journey with

in-store robots

began in 2015, when it started testing them for stocking and labelling shelves. Over the years, the retailer has expanded its use of robotics, AI, and surveillance technologies to modernise operations and enhance customer experience.Recently, robotic security measures have extended to parking lots, where Walmart is deploying solar-powered Lot Cops and robot guards to deter crime and assist law enforcement. While some customers welcome these innovations, others criticise the growing surveillance. Currently, these robot guards remain limited to select locations across the US.