China’s robot army is changing the UK retail industry.

The UK has struggled with weak productivity growth for more than a decade, and economists say wider adoption of robotics is essential if businesses are to become more efficient.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) UK SME Technology Adoption Report 2026 says technologies such as robotics will be key to improving productivity.

According to the OECD, Britain’s low adoption of robotics is “surprising” given its manufacturing heritage, while UK companies have embraced mature digital technologies, lagging behind in robotics and automation.

That gives companies like Geek+ an opportunity. The UK has the largest e-commerce and logistics sector in Europe, but many warehouses are still in the early stages of automation.

Britain has become Geek+’s largest European market, with UK partner MotionTech deploying more than 2,000 robots across 10 warehouse sites.

“Customers want quick solutions,” says Barry Pemberton, account director at MotionTech. “They want high volume, high storage, fast pickup…ultimately with a reduced head count in a smaller footprint.”

“We seem to have a huge labor shortage in the UK at the moment. These technologies are vital for businesses to thrive and meet demand.”

The Trades Union Congress (TUC), which represents around 6 million UK workers, says robotics should be used to boost productivity and improve jobs rather than simply cutting labor costs.

In response to the government’s consultation on its new AI and innovation strategy, ministers urged workers to be involved in decisions about automation and employers to invest in reskilling.

“Working with technologists, workers and unions will help drive UK research and innovation towards automation jobs that workers prioritize… avoiding job cuts, low productivity automation,” the report said.