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Just saw a startup at the Whole Foods downtown demoing a robot that 'emotionally validates' your grocery choices.
It followed me for 3 aisles telling me my selection of oat milk was 'a brave and authentic choice' and I have so many questions about their funding round.
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angela_harris2mo ago
Wait, it followed you? Like, physically trailed you through the store? That's not validating, that's just creepy. The oat milk pep talk is weird enough, but the stalking is a whole other level.
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the_tyler2mo ago
Exactly, the following thing is what pushes it over the edge. Had a similar thing happen with a smart cart at my local store that kept blocking the aisle while playing a jingle about avocados. It wasn't just in the way, it seemed to actively seek me out near the produce section. The cheerful voice telling you to "add some green to your routine" feels a lot less fun when you're being cornered by a robot.
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angela_harris2mo ago
That "cheerful voice" thing is everywhere now, like my car scolds me for low tire pressure.
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lilyp371mo ago
Actually the smart carts at my store are on a fixed track, they can't really follow you. They just move slow and stop a lot. The oat milk robot sounds like a whole different level of personal space invasion. Getting life advice from a grocery bot is just too much.
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