Jackson, WY — Shoppers at the local Smith’s grocery store may have noticed a new, wheeled companion roaming the aisles this August. The 79‑inch‑tall, 91‑pound robot, known as “Tally,” is a Simbe Robotics device that uses cameras, depth sensors and AI image recognition to monitor inventory in real time.
How Tally works for the store and its customers
According to Simbe’s website, Tally’s 360° fisheye lenses and enhanced 3D depth sensors can see into hard‑to‑reach areas such as upper shelves, bunkers and recessed displays. The robot continuously scans shelves, flags low‑stock items, identifies pricing mistakes and spots misplaced merchandise. Store staff receive alerts on handheld devices, allowing them to replenish shelves quickly and focus on customer service.
“At Smith’s, we’re always exploring new and innovative ways to create a more convenient and friendly customer experience,” said Tina Murray, Smith’s Division Head of Communications and Public Affairs, in an email to Buckrail. “Last year, our parent company Kroger began using robotic technology to gain real‑time insights on product inventory. This technology means our associates can more easily and quickly identify and address shelves where products are low or out of stock. It also provides our teams more time to do what they do best – serve our customers.”
Why the robot matters for a small‑town retailer
Jackson’s residents rely on Smith’s for everyday groceries, and keeping shelves stocked is a daily challenge for any retailer. By deploying Tally, the store hopes to reduce out‑of‑stock incidents, improve pricing accuracy and free up staff from repetitive scanning tasks. Simbe argues that “people are more likely to shop at retailers with in‑store robots,” a claim that aligns with the broader retail trend of using automation to boost efficiency.
The rollout follows a 2024 pilot program in Kroger stores across Ohio, where the same robot was first tested. Smith’s adoption marks the first appearance of the technology in a Wyoming location, signaling that even smaller markets are embracing the same tools used by large national chains.
Community response
Local shoppers have expressed curiosity about the robot’s “animated peepers,” with some sharing photos on social media. While the novelty has sparked conversation, most customers appreciate the potential for fewer empty shelves and faster checkout experiences.
Smith’s management plans to monitor Tally’s performance over the coming months and will adjust staffing and inventory processes based on the data collected. If the robot proves successful, the store may expand its use to other locations within the region.
For comments or questions about the new robot, readers can email [email protected].
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
