Stop & Shop has enhanced its in-store googly-eyed Marty robots to alert store associates when items need restocking, as well as detecting, in real time, when items are misplaced. These new functionalities are in addition to Marty’s tasks of spotting potential floor hazards and spills in the 300 supermarkets where the robots operate. Stop & Shop parent company Ahold Delhaize debuted the robots, which are manufactured by Badger Technologies, in January 2019.
The new Marty robot uses computer vision technology, AI-driven business intelligence and cloud-based analytics to enhance the in-store experience. Equipped with multiple sensors, Marty navigates through the store aisles without disrupting the shopper experience.
“Marty has delivered tremendous value for us already in terms of creating a safer in-store environment, and we’re excited to announce these new automated shelf-scanning capabilities,” said Gordon Reid, President of Stop & Shop in a statement. “With Marty’s new ability to find and fix on-shelf product availability and to confirm pricing information, associates can spend even more time with shoppers.”
Marty also is taking on new roles outside the brick-and-mortar store, recently visiting a young boy recovering from cancer as part of the retailer’s fundraising campaign for pediatric cancer. Marty also will be making in-person, or in-robot, appearances to support fighting hunger, honoring the military and ending breast cancer. At Boston’s Fenway Park on Sept. 22, Marty will join the retailer and the Boston Red Sox to mark Hunger Action Month. Stop & Shop and the MLB team are working to address food insecurity among students via the Stop & Shop School Food Pantry Program.
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“Over the years, Stop & Shop has done a great job of communicating the robot’s purpose, and Marty has gained a loyal following among shoppers and community members of all ages,” said William “BJ” Santiago, CEO of Badger Technologies, a product division of Jabil, in a statement. “The addition of inventory, pricing and trend data with the introduction of this upgraded Marty reinforces Stop & Shop’s continuing dedication to improve storewide efficiencies while creating long-lasting value for customers.”
