There’s a New Robot in the Hudson Valley, and It’s Very Annoying

If you've been shopping recently in one of the Hudson Valley's most popular big box stores, chances are you thought to yourself, what is that noise?! Meet New York's newest robot.

The availability of new technologies means that even traditional stores are finding ways to move into the next century. While some advancements are welcome improvements (who doesn't love a convenient Instacart order when you're in a pinch?), others can be downright annoying.

New Robots in Hudson Valley, NY Stores

The latest advancement at BJ's Wholesale Clubs is the introduction of a new robot named Tally. While robots aren't necessarily new at Hudson Valley stores (ShopRite introduced a different kind of robot back in 2019), Tally stands out in one very particular way.

Tally the Robot at BJ's Wholesale Club in Newburgh, NY

Tally the robot does not work in silence, and BJ's shoppers wouldn't be blamed if they thought that their favorite bulk-discount store had recently become a bird sanctuary. Unfortunately, the roving machine that's meant to help keep a "tally" on which items are in stock sounds more like a cockatoo than a robot (below).

"Annoying" Robot at Newburgh, NY BJ's Wholesale Club

Recently, shoppers were baffled when they heard the sounds coming from a neighboring aisle. “I kept hearing this noise and thought it was someone whistling or maybe a bird", said a Newburgh, NY resident. "It was driving me crazy... I finally found out it was a robot and I have no idea why they let it make that noise all day."

Do Supermarket Robots Work?

They were also unimpressed at how the robot did its job. "[BJ's] was out of a product I wanted, and when I asked at the front desk, they said there was more in the back but it wouldn't be put out for the next 24 to 48 hours", the shopper shared. "Isn't that what the robot is supposed to help avoid?".

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While Tally the robot has been in some BJ's stores for nearly a year, the appearance at local Hudson Valley stores has been more recent. Check out other new mechanical additions, including New York City's robot police dog, below.