New “Colleagues” Join Lithuanian Supermarkets – Gausium Phantas Now Cleaning in Six IKI Stores

Note: This case study article is based on a translation of a BNS news article originally written in Lithuanian, which can be found here.

Overview

As automation continues to reshape the retail sector, IKI Lithuania has embraced innovation by introducing Gausium Phantas autonomous floor cleaning robots in six of its Vilnius stores. Deployed by Robot24, Gausium’s official distributor in Lithuania, these robots enhance operational efficiency, free employees to focus on customer service, and promote sustainability through reduced water and chemical usage. The advanced sensor systems of Phantas makes it the ideal cleaning robot for grocery stores,  enabling them to detect obstacles, adjust their paths in real time, and operate effectively even during peak shopping hours. Shoppers and staff alike have welcomed these new robotic “colleagues” with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Customer: IKI 

Industry: Retail

Region: Vilnius, Lithuania

Products Used: Phantas + Charging Dock (CD-04)

Quantity: 1 unit per store (6 units total)

Deployment Date: January 2025—

Deployment Locations: Main Aisles, Corridors, Entrance/Exit Areas

Welcomed by Robots: IKI Stores Embrace Innovation for a Smarter Shopping Experience

In 6 IKI stores in Vilnius, the capital and largest city of Lithuania, many shoppers have been surprised – here, they are greeted not only by employees but also by robots. The autonomous floor cleaning robots moving around the stores plan their routes independently, react to people’s movement, and clean an area of 400 square meters per hour.

According to Nijolė Kvietkauskaitė, the CEO of IKI Lithuania, continuous investments in innovation and automation allow the retail chain not only to simplify work processes but also to create a modern shopping environment.

“We are consistently investing in technological solutions that help us stay in step with modern trends. Artificial intelligence enables us to plan employees’ time more efficiently, modern technologies provide customers with the opportunity to shop 24/7 in autonomous stores, electronic price tags eliminate manual and time-consuming work, and now, the latest robots help maintain the highest cleanliness standards in our stores. Automation means we can perform daily tasks even more efficiently and focus more on what matters most – providing the best shopping experience,” says N. Kvietkauskaitė. 

(Photo credit: IKI & BNS)

Remarkable Versatility with Maintenance in Just 10-15 Minutes

The new “colleagues”—Phantas, work during the day alongside other IKI store employees, and their smart sensor complex ensures smooth operation – the robots automatically stop or change direction when they detect people. During the winter, when cleaning needs increase due to snow and moisture, the assistance of robots becomes especially relevant.

One of the key advantages of the Phantas robots, according to Marius Rumbaitis, Project Manager at Robot24, is their versatility. The robots are capable of adapting to different floor types and working in various store areas – from main aisles to narrow corridors. They perform four cleaning functions: sweeping, vacuuming, scrubbing, and collecting water, ensuring that the floors are always dry and safe for customers.

Additionally, the maintenance of the Phantas cleaning robots is very simple – an IKI store employee only needs to spend about 10-15 minutes per day on it.

Attracting Attention from Shoppers

While shoppers search for their favorite products on store shelves, these robot “assistants” work quietly in the background to enhance the shopping experience.

According to IKI’s Communications Manager Gintarė Kitovė, employees humorously refer to the Phantas cleaning robots as “colleagues,” and the robots circulating the stores have also caught the attention of customers. The customer reactions are positive, with many robots bringing smiles, and shoppers expressing curiosity and asking what they are. 

Smart Scheduling and Real-Time Monitoring

For IKI, another big advantage of Phantas is the ability to monitor the cleaning process and its quality in real time, both on the control panel and via a smartphone app.

“The latest technologies and automation allow us to plan work processes more efficiently and optimize our resources. This is a natural evolution of modern retail, where advanced solutions help create an even more efficient working environment, allowing employees to focus on tasks that are most needed in the store – restocking shelves and serving customers,”

says IKI’s Communications Manager.

Enabling More Efficient and Sustainable Operations

The use of the Phantas cleaning robots also contributes to sustainability goals. They use less water and chemicals, helping to conserve natural resources. “Until now, it was believed that maintaining cleanliness required a lot of resources. We’ve proven that high hygiene standards can be achieved more responsibly with resource management,” says M. Rumbaitis.

According to G. Kitovė, the autonomous cleaning solution allows IKI to be both more efficient and more eco-friendly. The robots are designed to save electricity, water, and cleaning agents.

Looking Ahead

According to IKI representatives, as the pilot program unfolds, IKI is assessing the potential for expanding robot deployment across more stores—paving the way for a more efficient, modern, and eco-friendly retail experience.

About IKI

IKI is one of Lithuania’s largest and most recognized retail chains, operating under the international Rewe Group. Founded in 1992, IKI has grown into one of the country’s leading retail networks, with an extensive range of stores nationwide. The chain offers a wide selection of fresh groceries, household products, and everyday essentials, all while maintaining a strong commitment to quality, affordability, and customer convenience. As a trusted name in Lithuanian retail, IKI continuously embraces sustainability and innovation to enhance the shopping experience and meet the evolving needs of its customers.

About Robot24

Robot24 is the official distributor of Gausium, offering customized solutions for each client. Their core values are service, innovation, and quality! Automated industrial cleaning machines are robots designed to optimize the efficiency of business processes. For large warehouses, offices, showrooms, or other commercial spaces that require significant time and resources for cleaning, Robot24 offers a solution designed to optimize cleaning efficiency, reduce labor hours, and ensure consistent cleanliness across the facility. For more information, visit: https://www.robot24.lt/

About Gausium

Gausium is a leading company of AI-powered autonomous cleaning solutions with more than 4,000 customers in more than 70 countries and regions. Products and services of Gausium include commercial floor cleaning robots, docking stations, cloud platform and application software, and more in the pipeline. Driven by a vision to lead the intelligent digital transformation of the cleaning and service industry, Gausium offers the world’s most comprehensive portfolio of commercial cleaning robots, empowering individuals to work smarter and lead more fulfilling lives.