UF study examines hesitation toward fully automated grocery stores
An October 14 UF/IFAS report describes nationwide survey findings on automated grocery shopping, using responses collected in June 2021.
What the record says
UF/IFAS reports that research led by Junhong Chen and professor Zhifeng Gao examined how store characteristics affected respondents’ stated willingness to travel to a grocery store. The study used a nationwide June 2021 survey. The university says respondents preferred a partially automated format with self-checkout available over a fully automated store with no cashiers. The research was published in the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services and supported by the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station and USDA-NIFA.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Read UF/IFAS’s report and its linked study for the survey design and research context.
Limits and what is not established
The results concern stated preferences in a 2021 survey. They do not establish current Florida-specific shopping behavior, observed travel decisions or a new store opening.
Sources checked October 19, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.