While this article’s title may sounds dystopian, it’s the reality in the aisles of Stop & Shop, where I set out to buy dinner tonight in southern Rhode Island.

Beep. Boop. While on the hunt for green beans, a tall robot equipped with cameras, LIDAR sensors, stuck on googley eyes and a nametag “Marty” rounded the fruit display and accosted me. See photographic evidence. Initially, I thought it was a Knightscope security robot, set to spy on customers and follow around potential shoplifters. One had to get closer than comfortable to read the explanatory signage. Apparently, this creation of Kentucky based Badger Technologies, has a mission of seeking out missing price tags, out of stock items and jars of mayo dropped by careless customers. According to their marketing, this will enable stores to gain insight, lower operational costs and raise revenue. Oh, and it’s backed by a team in the Philippines that video link in to supplement the radar. So, effectively, “Cleanup on aisle 6!” has been outsourced to Manila. If we add remotely deployed Roombas, it’s game over for the mop and bucket crew. I am not convinced that this represents retail progress.