Home / Technology / Robot Store: No Humans, Just Robotic Arms
Robot Store: No Humans, Just Robotic Arms
26 Sep
Summary
- VenHub Smart Stores use robot arms to retrieve items.
- Stores offer snacks, toiletries, and apparel via an app.
- The company reported a Q2 2026 loss of $10.5 million.
VenHub is transforming the retail landscape with its automated convenience stores, which operate entirely without human employees. A VenHub Smart Store, located at the LAX/Metro Transit Center, functions as a large-scale vending machine where customers order items through a dedicated mobile app.
Two robotic arms, named 'Peter' and 'Barb' at the LAX location, are responsible for picking products from shelves and placing them in a retrieval bin for the customer. This innovative system allows for a diverse inventory, including snacks, drinks, toiletries, and even apparel like T-shirts and socks, catering to travelers' needs.
The company, which also has locations in Las Vegas, reported a net loss of $10.5 million for the second quarter of 2026. This figure represents an improvement from the $20.5 million loss in Q2 2025, but VenHub is seeking short-term capital to sustain operations.
Despite the overall financial losses, VenHub states that individual store locations are profitable. The company plans to expand its presence by partnering with large corporations, municipalities, government agencies, educational institutions, and more transportation hubs.
