We are one step closer to the robot take over the sci-fi movies warned us about because grocery stores are now employing robots to clean up the aisles.

Earlier this year Ahold Delhaize USA announced they would be introducing “Marty,” an in-store robot that identifies hazards like liquid, powder and bulk food spills, at its Stop & Shop and Giant/Martin stores across the country.

"As part of our continued focus on technology transformation, we’re pleased to support one of the most significant deployments of robotics innovation in the grocery retail industry,” Paul Scorza, EVP and Chief Information Officer for Retail Business Services said in a statement.

Having personally had at least two run-ins with Marty at my own grocery store it is definitely a shock when you see this thing that’s as tall as a person with huge googly eyes slowly moving toward you.

Marty also scans the shelves to take stock of what items are missing and low in stock, freeing up time for store associates to focus on assisting customers.

All 172 Giant stores are expected to add Marty as a member of their staff by mid-2019, according to Ahold Delhaize USA.

Olivia Rizzo may be reached at orizzo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @LivRizz. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us.nj.com/tips.

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