Walmart is facing backlash after deploying a robotic security guard at one of its store parking lots while continuing to face criticism over its treatment and pay of human employees.
The autonomous robot, created by security firm Knightscope, has been spotted patrolling a parking lot at a Walmart in Atlanta.
Designed to deter crime and assist with security surveillance, the five-foot-tall machine is equipped with cameras and sensors that feed information back to a central system.
However, critics argue the use of such robots highlights a misplaced investment in technology, especially as many Walmart employees continue to advocate for better wages and working conditions.
Social media users and commentators questioned why the company was investing in high-tech policing tools rather than prioritising improved pay or benefits for workers.
The move comes amid wider debates in the US over automation and job security, with Walmart and other major retailers increasingly adopting tech-driven solutions across logistics, inventory, and customer service.
While Walmart has defended its investment in safety measures, critics say the optics of robot security guards are particularly tone-deaf given ongoing scrutiny over retail worker pay and treatment.
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