We Met “Marty” Giant Food Stores Robot

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Phildelphia Pa, in January 2019 Ahold Delhaize USA laid out plans to deploy robots to nearly 500 Giant Food Stores, Martin’s and Stop & Shop locations to help improve in-store efficiencies and safety.

The initiative stemmed from a partnership between the company’s Retail Business Services (RBS) arm and retail automation and robotics provider Badger Technologies, a division of Jabil.

Code named “Marty,” the robots are being used to flag hazards — such as liquid, powder and bulk food-item spills — and report when corrective action is needed. RBS said the robots help stores reduce the risk caused by such spills, freeing up store associates to spend more time serving customers.

Many supermarkets and retail stores have been exploring the use of robots to assist with various tasks such as inventory management, customer service, and cleaning. These robots are often equipped with sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence technology to navigate the store, identify items, and interact with customers.

If Marty the robot is indeed deployed at Giant Supermarket, it would likely serve a specific purpose within the store. Some possible functions of a robot in a supermarket could include:

1. Inventory Management: Robots can roam the aisles and use computer vision to scan shelves, track inventory levels, and identify out-of-stock items. This information can help store employees restock shelves more efficiently.
2. Assistance and Guidance: Robots can provide customers with information about product locations, pricing, and promotions. They may have touchscreens or voice interfaces to answer basic questions and assist shoppers in finding items.
3. Cleaning and Maintenance: Robots can be programmed to perform routine cleaning tasks, such as sweeping or mopping floors, ensuring a clean and safe shopping environment for customers.
4. Security: Robots equipped with cameras and sensors can help monitor the store for potential security threats, such as shoplifting or suspicious behavior.

It’s important to note that the specific capabilities and functions of Marty or any other robot would depend on the design and purpose intended by the supermarket or the company responsible for its development.

In February of 2023 a robot known to the regulars at the Giant Food in Hellertown PA, decided to leave the store and make a run for it  heading across the parking lot.

This is the first known instance of a runaway robot.