The robot now has real-time data capabilities at more than 300 stores throughout the Northeast to improve on-shelf product availability and price accuracy. / Photo courtesy: Stop & Shop
By Diane Adam
Source: www.winsightgrocerybusiness.com, September 2023

The robot now has real-time data capabilities at more than 300 stores throughout the Northeast to improve on-shelf product availability and price accuracy.

Stop & Shop has upgraded its clean-up assistant Marty the Robot at more than 300 stores throughout the Northeast, retail automation provider Badger Technologies announced on Monday.

First deployed in 2019 to mitigate risk by identifying potential floor hazards and spills, Marty has been upgraded to automate regular product checks, enabling associates to spend more time with customers.

“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, which will deliver even more value for customers and associates,” said Gordon Reid, president of Stop & Shop.

Looking to improve its omnichannel shopping experiences at the Ahold Delhaize US banner, Reid said that 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.”

Equipped with multiple sensors, Marty monitors store aisles.

“The addition of inventory, pricing, and trend data with the introduction of this upgraded Marty reinforces Stop & Shop’s continuing dedication to improving storewide efficiencies while creating long-lasting value for customers,” William “BJ” Santiago, CEO of Badger Technologies, said in a statement.

In addition to new in-store duties, Marty is taking on a bigger role outside the store to support Stop & Shop’s “Feed it Forward” initiatives to make a positive impact in the community.

Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC employs 58,000 associates and now operates more than 400 stores throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey.

Diane Adam is an editor with WGB who covers publicly traded grocery retailers, wholesale clubs, and independent grocers.