Stop & Shop Expands Use of 'Marty the Robot'

Stop & Shop, an Ahold Delhaize USA grocer, is rolling out multipurpose autonomous robots from Badger Technologies at more than 300 locations.

Marty the Robot will be deployed within each store to conduct product checks to help ensure greater on-shelf availability for customers, detect misplaced items and continue the usual task of spotting potential floor hazards and spills. Badger Technologies and Stop & Shop first began their partnership in January of 2019.

“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. “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.”

As part of Stop & Shop’s connected-customer strategy, Marty utilizes computer-vision technology, AI-driven business intelligence and cloud-based analytics to improve the in-store experience for shoppers. Real-time inventory tracking enables Stop & Shop to expedite restocking and price corrections, while Marty also continues to monitor floor conditions and potentially mitigate risk of slip-and-fall accidents. Equipped with multiple sensors, Marty moves through store aisles without disrupting the shopping experience for customers.

“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. “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.”

Stop & Shop operates more than 400 stores throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey.