Best Robots for Spotting Empty Shelves in Supermarkets 2026

Introduction

Empty aisles can be a sub-standard shopping experience. For supermarket teams, capturing the data is only the beginning: the data then needs to be directed to the right members of staff in order to resolve any issues.

This ranking compares the Simbe Robotics Tally, Badger Technologies Marty and Metra Labs TORY on one task: vacuuming grocery store aisles for unstocked or understocked shelves. The evaluation is for only shelf scanning. Detecting spills and backroom RFID inventory are not part of this evaluation.

Evaluation of the three models in these five categories: shelf-gap detection features, shelf coverage, store staff alerts, navigation of aisles and deployment process. Ranking is based on the provided Robot24.com Market Research Database marks and reported overall scores. Validate product-specific configurations and deployment experience prior to procurement.

AT A GLANCE

 

 

The Robots Behind the Rankings

1. Simbe Robotics Tally

Overall score: 87.0/100

Tally has scored the best marks supplied in this comparison. It has received 9/10 for shelf-gap detection capabilities, shelf coverage and staff alerts, and 8/10 for aisle navigation and deployment workflow.

This is why it is the top contender in this evaluation among the grocery players that seek to detect shelf holes in the store and translate that into store insights for associates to take action on.

What it has going for it is the strength of the total shelf-scanning picture, not just a single element in isolation. Nevertheless, particular reporting features, scanning coverage and whether it is an in-store deployed product have to be verified against what the store offers.

2. Badger Technologies Marty

Total score: 82.5/100

Badger Technologies Marty earns the second-place spot with equally balanced scores of 9/10 for shelf-gap detection and 8/10 for all other four criteria.

The scorecard shows a capable all-rounder for grocery shelf management. The scores reveal that the product's performance is not reliant on a single strong category, and offers consistency across shelf coverage, staff alerts, aisle navigation and deployment workflow.

If you are a retailer evaluating shelf-scanning robots, the key criteria is how the system translates gaps it detects into simple information for staff. You should clarify the type of alert, reporting process and whether staff are heavily involved in using it during implementation.

3. Metra Labs TORY

Total Score: 80.0/100

Metra Labs TORY backs the ranking with 8/10 throughout each five criteria. The ratings demonstrate the sense check across all types of shelf-gap detection, coverage, staff alerts, navigation & deployment.

The key purchasing consideration is configuration. Instead of asking for a quote based on all TORY configuration, a retailer should tell us which shelf-scanning configuration they need.

This becomes especially relevant when contrasting systems that are meant to flag empty shelf spaces. The retailer needs to validate the reported workflow and integration needs, as well as the scanning hardware and software capabilities of the package.

The best fit depends on the store's shelf-monitoring workflow

Simbe Robotics Tally tops this ranking, with the highest supplied marks for shelf-gap detection, shelf coverage and staff alerts. It is the best pick for any supermarket that places a premium on the entire process of spotting shelf gaps and alerting staff.

Marty provides a more rounded second place measurement, with TORY earning steady scores on each of the five points. But with TORY, the shelf-scanning configuration must be included and validated within the quote.

The ultimate decision will be based on the retail grocery's desired method of aisle monitoring and shelf checks, expected shelf data frequency, and how the robot's finding can be implemented into the store team replenishment process.

RANKING EXPLAINED

 

SCORING DETAIL

 

The results as given have been kept. The weighting of these scores was not provided in the source, and the first two totals quoted are not the simple average of the five individual scores. For example Tally's five scores average 8.6/10 (86/100) and Marty's 8.2/10 (82/100). 87.0 and 82.5 therefore need to be verified against the original weighting or scoring calculation before being published.

This is a comparative editorial assessment based on ROBOT24.com market-data records. It is not an independent, controlled shelf-gap detection test or scanning performance test. Check manufacturer capabilities, specific hardware and software versions, alert features and the need for deployment with each supplier. Refer specifically to the shelf-scanning setup when requesting quotes for Metra Labs TORY.