Marty party

The Stop & Shop at 11 Commerce Way in Johnston played host to a special, if unconventional, birthday party on Saturday.

The celebration was for one of the chain’s newest employees, Marty the Robot, who has been rolling down aisles now for one year. Customers at the store were able to sign a birthday card for Marty, who was proudly dressed up for his big day.

While he didn’t have a piece, there was also cake to honor the occasion. Children like Robert McFarlane did get to enjoy a treat, though, as they wished Marty well.

According to a Stop & Shop fact sheet, there are more than 300 of Marty’s “cousins” roaming locations across the Northeast and they have traveled more than 250,000 miles in their first year. The robots – produced by Badger Technologies in Nicholasville, Kentucky – spot upwards of 40 spills and potential hazards every day. If one is spotted, Marty will alert customers and staff by saying, “Caution, hazard detected,” in English and Spanish.