DANBURY, CT — Marty, the tall, googly-eyed robot that roams Stop & Shop stores is turning 1-year-old. To celebrate, select Stop & Shop stores, including two in Danbury, will throw Marty a 1st birthday party on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. complete with birthday cake, crafts for kids and giveaways.
The grocery chain says that Marty is used to identify hazards and spills on the floor, allowing associates to focus on customers. When the robot detects a potential hazard on the floor, he notifies store associates who take corrective action.
What the bilingual robot, which was created by Badger Technologies in Kentucky, does not do is spy on customers or put its flesh-and-blood coworkers out of a job, despite urban legends to the contrary, according to a
Marty is part of a cohort of more than 300 ‘bots who live at Stop & Shop stores across the company’s five state footprint. On average, each machine spots 40 spills and potential hazards at each store every day.
Stop & Shop stores at 72 Newtown Road and 44 Lake Avenue Ext. in Danbury will both be participating in the birthday festivities this Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m.