AGV, AMR & Robots - Logistics Business https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/materials-handling-warehousing/agv-amr-robots/ Logistics Business - international news, magazine and podcast for warehousing, materials handling, distribution and transport. Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:18:20 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 From Blind Warehouse to Observable https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/it-in-logistics/wms-scm-software/from-blind-warehouse-to-observable/ Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:18:20 +0000 https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/?p=56923 In the modern age of logistics, the warehouse is no longer a static storage... Read more »

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In the modern age of logistics, the warehouse is no longer a static storage space – it’s a dynamic environment at the heart of the supply chain. Yet, many warehouses today still operate in the dark. These “blind warehouses” lack the visibility, data, and systems needed to react quickly, predict disruptions, or make data-informed decisions.

Limited visibility with Blind warehouses

Blind warehouses are characterised by limited visibility into operations. Inventory counts may be outdated, workflows are manual, and decisions rely on human guesswork or historical trends rather than real-time insights. Why Blind warehouses fall behind:

Inventory inaccuracies: 46% of small to medium sized warehouses report that inaccurate inventory counts cause major fulfilment delays.
Lost productivity: Employees spend unnecessary hours locating stock or manually inputting data.
Delayed decisions: Without a clear operational picture, response times to disruptions are slow.
Cost inefficiencies: Overstocking or stockouts often occur due to poor forecasting and limited data.
Fragmented data: Warehouses often gather data in pieces, leading to disconnected insights that fail to represent the full picture.

The reality is clear: a lack of visibility is no longer sustainable. As customer expectations around speed and accuracy rise, blind decision-making becomes a liability.

What does it mean to become an Observable warehouse?

An Observable warehouse collects and records real-time data from all parts of its operations. This includes: Inventory movement and placement; Autonomous robot paths and performance; Warehouse environmental conditions; Inbound/outbound logistics and cycle times; Labour allocation and productivity.

Being observable doesn’t require full automation overnight. It means implementing systems that can provide visibility through sensors, IoT devices, AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots), computer vision, or digital twin platforms. For example, Ziegler selected Dexory to provide a scalable, reliable solution capable of operating seamlessly within the warehouse’s existing infrastructure. The deployment of DexoryView has delivered rapid and measurable value for Ziegler’s UK operations, including:

Faster stock recovery and fewer errors: The team is now able to quickly locate missing pallets, detect mispicks early, and address labelling or placement errors in real time – without halting operations. End of costly shutdowns for stock takes: Where full stock takes once required four days and weekend shifts, inventory is now continuously monitored – eliminating the need for disruptive audits and manual reconciliations.

‍The benefits of visibility

Becoming an Observable warehouse is the foundation for all other advancements. Here are several benefits:

Faster, smarter decisions: Managers gain immediate insights to prioritise tasks or reroute workflows.
Increased productivity: Time spent searching, scanning, and checking can be replaced with actionable data.
Reduced waste and errors: Real-time data reduces the risk of duplication, overstocking, or misplaced inventory.
Foundation for AI and automation: Visibility enables the implementation of intelligent systems that require real-time data to operate effectively.

For example, DCL Logistics has realized significant operational gains since deploying DexoryView:

14% increase in pallet location accuracy: With more precise data, the company has improved inventory reliability, reducing errors and improving fulfillment speed.
10x faster inventory counting: Compared to previously trialled drone-based systems, DexoryView delivers a tenfold increase in the speed of inventory counts – without disruption or downtime.
16 hours of labour saved per day: Eliminating manual inventory checks has freed up staff to focus on high-value strategic initiatives, such as warehouse space optimization and customized projects for clients.

Industry trends driving the need for observability

A few big changes in the industry are driving the move toward more Observable warehouses:

E-commerce growth: Faster delivery expectations mean warehouses must be more agile.
Labour shortages: Observable warehouses help optimise limited human resources.
Supply chain volatility: Data visibility enables real-time responsiveness.

According to a 2025 McKinsey report, companies that invested in real-time warehouse visibility were 33% more likely to exceed customer expectations and reduce fulfilment costs.

‍Don’t let lack of visibility hold you back

Warehouses can no longer afford to operate without clarity. The first step toward transformation is simple: see clearly. When you do, every other improvement becomes not just possible, but inevitable. Dexory is already helping warehouses across industries make this critical shift. The journey from blind to observable isn’t just a technology upgrade – it’s a mindset shift toward continuous improvement.

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Webinar: Navigating your Supply Chain Journey. Register Now https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/it-in-logistics/wms-scm-software/webinar-navigating-your-supply-chain-journey-register-now/ Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:50:36 +0000 https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/?p=56846 Join Logistics Business Editor Peter MacLeod and his guest, Steven Timberlake of Infios, for... Read more »

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Join Logistics Business Editor Peter MacLeod and his guest, Steven Timberlake of Infios, for a live Webinar on Wednesday July 30th, 11.00 BST/UTC, 12.00 CET. Register to watch it here now.

Synopsis:

In this webinar Steven Timberlake of Infios discusses how you can measure your organisation’s level of supply chain maturity and the steps involved in developing greater efficiency and resilience in today’s challenging environment. Together with Peter MacLeod, Steven will explore topics including artificial intelligence, automation and system modernisation and outline how they form part of the practical steps that any organisation can implement today to relentlessly improve supply chain performance tomorrow.

Steven Timberlake, Infios

Steven Timberlake provides thought leadership and strategic challenge around supply chain execution as the Vice President of Sales Northern Europe at Infios. In his role, Steven plays a pivotal role in consulting businesses on transforming their supply chain execution, leveraging his extensive experience to drive strategic initiatives and foster growth opportunities. With over two decades of experience in technology and supply chain, Steven has established himself as a strategic leader adept at driving growth for his customers. His innovative approach to enterprise engagement has enabled organisations to navigate complex challenges and achieve sustainable success in today’s dynamic supply chain environment.

Register to watch it here now

The name Infios draws inspiration from the concept of infinity, representing the vast, interconnected global marketplace and the limitless opportunities to help businesses create their future. Infios is built on the belief that supply chains should be agile, intelligent, and constantly evolving to meet the demands of a changing world. By leveraging advanced technologies, data-driven insights, and a deep understanding of customer needs, Infios delivers innovative solutions that drive efficiency, lower costs, and empower businesses to succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

“Supply chains are the backbone of modern business and global progress. And when they work better — simpler, faster, smarter — businesses thrive, people benefit, and communities become stronger. We believe that the future is better when supply chains work better,” said Ed Auriemma, CEO of Infios. “Our goal at Infios is to work alongside our customers to provide solutions that meet today’s challenges while thinking ahead to solve tomorrow’s problems.”

Infios integrates order management, warehousing and fulfillment and transportation management into a comprehensive suite of solutions, equipping businesses with the tools they need to navigate today’s complex supply chain landscape. Infios is dedicated to its customers, evolving with them to provide scalable, adaptable solutions that meet their changing needs. This flexibility enables customers to optimize every aspect of their operations with versatile, scalable, and future-ready capabilities. With a thoughtful approach to innovation, the company integrates data, predictive analytics, and AI-driven insights to help businesses stay ahead, anticipating challenges and opportunities before they arise.

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Racks and Robots for the Future https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/materials-handling-warehousing/storage-racking/racks-and-robots-for-the-future/ Tue, 08 Jul 2025 12:56:24 +0000 https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/?p=56790 Integrating racking systems, pick towers and other storage solutions with mobile robots will provide... Read more »

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Integrating racking systems, pick towers and other storage solutions with mobile robots will provide transformative automation, says Edward Hutchison, Managing Director of BITO Storage Systems.

Fast delivery times and flexibility are vital warehouse capabilities for meeting customer expectations, especially in the intensified environment of e-commerce fulfilment during seasonal peaks. The traditional solution of adding more staff is becoming increasingly difficult as it becomes harder to find and retain qualified labour. And if you can find more people, order picking operations that involve long walking distances will increase costs.

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are fast becoming a familiar sight in warehouses. They offer a flexible automated solution that negates the need for extensive modifications to facilities. They can adapt easily to seasonal demands as extra robots can be added as required, providing an ideal solu¬tion for handling peaks. And when business circumstances change, operations can be further extended by simply adding robots to the fleet.

This versatility along with their performance possibilities is driving a 12.6% AMR market growth in the UK from 2024 to 2030. Many of the projects will be part of a broader storage installation and may well be working with racking and shelving.

In addition to e-commerce, mobile robots are also suited to sectors such as fashion, food and pharmaceuticals. They can be particularly useful for automating small item order picking, where collaborative robots under the direction of intelligent control software create more efficient, flexible and productive processes. Robots can double or even triple productivity levels by reducing travel times through intelligent routing, optimising processes through batch picking and increasing picking performance through zone picking. The number of order pickers can be reduced by up to 50% and processes can be optimised in the long term by allocating staff to other value-adding tasks.

When it comes to installations, integration can be performed while maintaining ongoing operations. Solutions can be adapted to a user’s existing storage installations such as pallet racking, shelving and multi-tier storage systems, with a flexible connection to existing WMS/ERP systems.

Compared with other forms of automation, investment in mobile robots is small as they do not require any supporting infrastructure and operations can start with a single unit then add others as required. This is helped by the flexible Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) licence model offering reasonable prices, which also enables simple fleet scalability, with the short term addition of units to handle seasonal peaks.

Transformative materials handling

Well planned racking layouts providing narrow aisles will give robots access while maintaining storage density and allow picking routes to be optimised. The structures will require labelling and clearances to allow a mobile robot’s sensors to navigate effectively.

Edward Hutchison

Integrating BITO’s racking systems, pick towers and other storage solutions with mobile robots will provide transformative automation that is seamlessly integrated, error-free and deployed without operational disruptions to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving logistics landscape. When choosing a mobile robot, look at the min¬im¬um space re¬quire¬ment. An ability to work in aisles as narrow as 1.12 m will enable use in confined storage environments. Another key characteristic to consider is charge time, which is an important contributor to overall productivity. Short charging times of just 50-60 minutes will help towards uninterrupted operation.

One stop shop suppliers will make the most effective partners to provide complete robot and materials handling solutions that will be transformative for warehouse operations. In addition to providing its own LEO driverless transport system, BITO works with numerous suppliers of mobile robots to provide innovative storage and order picking solutions, which may also involve shelving and racking installations such as pick towers, as well as plastic totes and containers. This allows customers to design and implement future-proof, end-to-end warehouse solutions, integrating state-of-the-art storage systems with robotics-powered automation to create smarter, faster and more efficient supply chain operations.

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Next Generation of Automated Small Load Carriers https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/materials-handling-warehousing/agv-amr-robots/next-generation-of-automated-small-load-carriers/ Mon, 07 Jul 2025 12:59:43 +0000 https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/?p=56774 Continental has developed an ultracompact transport robot that transports stacked small load containers (SLCs)... Read more »

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Continental has developed an ultracompact transport robot that transports stacked small load containers (SLCs) of up to 300 kg fully automatically. The NXS 300 ensures immediately deployable automation: no infrastructure modifications to existing floor-roller tracks are needed, and thanks to native VDA 5050 integration, the NXS 300 plugs seamlessly into existing AMR fleets. It delivers top speeds of up to 2 m/s and safe omnidirectional movement thanks to its 360-degree view.

The NXS 300 comes in two versions: the base version with a 600 mm fork length for classic 400 x 600 mm SLCs on carts and the extended version with an 800 mm fork length for half-pallets to effectively double the capacity per trip. Unveiled at LogiMAT 2025 in Stuttgart, it will be available in early 2026. The NXS 300 is currently being piloted in internal projects at Continental locations in Rheinböllen (Germany) and Sibiu (Romania), with more to follow until the end of the year. First project evaluations indicate a return on investment within well under two years.

“With this small-load solution, we are further expanding our AMR portfolio for Industry 4.0 applications. Tighter floor plans, increasing product variants and cost pressures are among the most pressing problems facing production and logistics managers. With its versatility and compact build, the NXS 300 provides an answer,” says Malte Kersten, head of Continental Mobile Robots. “It expands our portfolio with a flexible small-load solution and strengthens our position as a reliable partner for Industry 4.0 – aligned with our mission of ‘Making Things Easy’”

Ultracompact design for maximum flexibility

Real-time data and increasing product variants are driving the pace in smart factories. Production managers and logistics leaders must adapt material flow quickly for new products and batch sizes. Consequently, conventional Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are hitting their limits – they remain static and are not flexible enough to change and scale with production layouts. The NXS 300 bridges this gap with an ultracompact design (1,100 × 405 × 1,025 mm) and broad adaptability. The base version, with a fork height of only 110 mm, is compatible with over 80 percent of carts available in the market. It lifts them via an integrated lift platform at sources and sinks, enabling highly efficient material flow. Omnidirectional drives allow on-the-spot rotations, while 360-degree sensors with obstacle detection ensure safe manoeuvres even in mixed-traffic scenarios in narrow aisles. Continental’s new AMR combines AGV and AMR modes for great versatility. Its flexible system configuration allows seamless adaptation to various process requirements and production layouts.

Extended version doubles the transport volume per trip

The extended version builds on this mature base system, adding a fork extended by 200 mm. This enables it to handle stacked half-pallets (800 × 600 mm) or combinations of different SLC types – doubling the transport volume per trip and maximizing transport efficiency. Beyond their technical capabilities, the NXS 300 variants deliver a compelling return on investment (ROI). By automating the transport of SLCs, they reduce manual handling, minimize process interruptions and enhance overall efficiency. Companies can expect a significant reduction in operational costs and an ROI within six to 24 months, depending on the specific application and deployment scale.


“Thanks to full VDA 5050 interoperability, the system integrates seamlessly into existing intralogistics environments. Our strong focus on cost-effectiveness enables customers to achieve a rapid return on investment. Backed by our deep expertise in robotics and automotive engineering and our global track record in industrializing complex technologies, we provide an innovation for scalable, future-proof automation,” says Alessandro Castagnotto, head of Product Line Intralogistics at Continental Mobile Robots.

Comprehensive service to facilitate operations

The ergonomic, user-friendly human-machine interface (HMI) enables intuitive operation and maintenance, while local service teams and a 24/7 hotline guarantee maximum system availability. Proactive maintenance cycles minimize downtime and ensure continuous operation.

To help customers stay ahead of evolving production requirements, future extensions of the NXS300 family are already in development, such as a top-roller variant with an active conveyor to take and deliver SLCs directly from conveyors. These will broaden the range of applications covered by the platform and enable users to address future automation needs and maximize intralogistics efficiency – all within the same familiar system architecture and service environment.

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Sorting Robots Boost Fulfilment Capacity https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/materials-handling-warehousing/conveying-sortation/sorting-robots-boost-fulfilment-capacity/ Wed, 02 Jul 2025 22:28:14 +0000 https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/?p=56743 THG Fulfil, fulfilment and courier management solution, has announced a partnership with intelligent robotics... Read more »

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THG Fulfil, fulfilment and courier management solution, has announced a partnership with intelligent robotics provider, Libiao. The collaboration will see the installation of 430 state-of-the-art T-sorting robots into THG Fulfil’s automated Manchester warehouse facility, a move projected to increase operational capacity by approximately 75%.

The T-sorting robots are set to be operational in September 2025, providing THG Fulfil with the capacity to output c1 million units per day – a move that will strengthen THG Fulfil’s ability to manage peak demand as it onboards new brands and retailers ahead of the holiday season.

THG Fulfil provides solutions by seamlessly integrating automation, AI-driven technology and proprietary software, delivering customer satisfaction. The strategic implementation of Libiao’s innovative robots is testament to THG Fulfil’s commitment to leveraging advanced automation to enhance speed and improve efficiency across its ecommerce operations. The modular and flexible design of the T-sorting system allows for dynamic scalability, enabling THG Fulfil to rapidly adapt to fluctuating consumer demand, regardless of seasonality.

Libiao’s T-sorting robots are renowned for their high stability and fault tolerance capabilities, boasting a remarkable sorting accuracy of up to 99.9%. The system is engineered to sort for multiple destinations simultaneously, with electroplating robots operating on optimal paths to maximise sorting efficiency. The technology also offers significant space-saving advantages due to its low footprint requirements and versatile deployment options across warehouse levels.

Furthermore, THG Fulfil is Libiao’s UK distribution partner, enabling brands and retailers to access Libiao’s cutting-edge robotics solutions and benefiting from THG Fulfil’s proprietary technology, optimisation and know-how. Brands and retailers will also benefit from rapid deployment capabilities, with installation of Libiao’s robotics solutions possible in as little as three weeks. This short project cycle contributes to fast and high return on investment, resulting in a typical return period of less than three years.

Tom Killeen, COO, THG Ingenuity, said: “We have always believed that fulfilment is a core driver of customer excellence and brand reputation. Our collaboration with Libiao further solidifies our commitment to providing brands and retailers with industry-leading, scalable automation solutions that optimise everything from pick and pack to final mile delivery, ultimately enhancing customer experience and driving loyalty. Our unique approach, which often sees 95% of all units sold moving through some form of automation, combined with our late NDD cut-off times of up to 1am, is truly what sets us apart. We are committed to investing in the future of logistics, while empowering our clients to meet and exceed evolving consumer expectations with unparalleled efficiency.

Jason Zhang, VP of Sales – Europe, Libiao, said: “We’re excited to partner with THG Fulfil, showcasing the elegance and scalability of Libiao Robotics’ solutions. Our compact, modular robots enable rapid plug-and-play deployment. With THG Fulfil as our UK distribution partner — leveraging their vast retail network and warehouse automation expertise — we look forward to expanding Libiao’s reach across new industries. At Libiao, our mission is to make the world more efficient, and this collaboration is a meaningful step toward that goal.”

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AI-Powered Robotics Boost Warehouse Efficiency https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/materials-handling-warehousing/agv-amr-robots/ai-powered-robotics-boost-warehouse-efficiency/ Mon, 30 Jun 2025 10:28:59 +0000 https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/?p=56692 One of the UK’s largest and longest-standing redistributor and retailer of surplus products, Company... Read more »

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One of the UK’s largest and longest-standing redistributor and retailer of surplus products, Company Shop Group (CSG), has announced a strategic partnership with Dexory, a leading provider of real-time warehouse visibility and automation solutions, to transform inventory accuracy, reduce waste, and improve product flow within its ambient warehouse operations.

The partnership, which uses Dexory’s autonomous robot and AI-driven platform, is delivering transformational results across CSG’s Barnsley, South Yorkshire warehouse, which holds a wide range of surplus stock across food, homeware, personal, and pet categories.

Due to the fast-paced nature of surplus redistribution, accurate and timely stock processing is critical. Historically, inaccuracies in stock levels have led to some picking and dispatch delays. By deploying Dexory’s real-time data and automation solution, CSG is now able to track stock with a level of accuracy and speed not previously possible – with an increase of over 300 pallets added to the warehouse management system (WMS) during the trial period alone.

AI-Powered Robotics

“The Dexory solution stood out as the most effective and least disruptive option after reviewing several providers,” said Martin Upton, Operations Director, Company Shop Group. “It’s fast, flexible, and has integrated seamlessly with our existing warehouse management system. The system has also significantly increased visibility into our Dispatch area – something we had limited access to before. This has dramatically increased efficiency and enabled smoother product flow throughout our operation.”

Dexory’s solution is now used not only for stock integrity – ensuring stock is stored in the right location and allowing for rapid issue resolution – but also to support dispatch operations by providing by-date priority lists and real-time views of dispatch pallets. The robot’s ability to perform multiple autonomous scans per day empowers operational teams to act quickly, identify root causes of issues, and implement targeted training and continuous improvement efforts.

“We’re proud to support a mission-led business that is tackling waste reduction across the industry,” said Oana Jinga, Chief Commercial & Product Officer and Co-founder of Dexory. “By combining our AI-powered robotics and real-time data platform, we’re enabling their team to spot issues sooner, react faster, and ultimately deliver a more effective and efficient end-to-end process – turning warehouse visibility into tangible operational and environmental impact.”

Oana Jinga

Oana Jinga, Dexory

The project has already freed up valuable time for the client’s stock control team, enabling them to focus on wider efficiency initiatives across operations. With the proven benefits in inventory control and process flow, Company Shop Group sees this partnership as a key pillar in achieving its long-term goal: creating a world where no surplus product goes to waste.

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AGV Gearboxes Launched https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/materials-handling-warehousing/agv-amr-robots/agv-gearboxes-launched/ Thu, 26 Jun 2025 22:25:09 +0000 https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/?p=56675 Powerful, high performance GV/GVR-Series of planetary gearboxes with rigidity for high radial load has... Read more »

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Powerful, high performance GV/GVR-Series of planetary gearboxes with rigidity for high radial load has been launched by Apex Dynamics. Designed specifically to meet the needs of Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) applications, the GV/GVR Series is a new generation of planetary gearboxes, featuring minimised gearbox length for high reduction ratio and optimised space arrangement inside mobile automation machines.

Its compact footprint and range of mounting options provide a solution to space problems and the new gearboxes can be tailored to suit design needs. The robust new series of planetary gearboxes provide a long service life and come with a five-year warranty and fast, guaranteed delivery times.

Growing popularity and complexity

With the growing popularity of AGVs and the increasing complexity of mobile automation, Apex Dynamics has created a tailored gearbox series designed to meet the industry’s need for high torque and high driving transmission.

The tough GV/GVR-Series’ high precision taper roller bearings equip the gearboxes with high loading capacity, meeting the needs of dynamic mobile machinery. High torsional rigidity and wheel hub supporting high vertical load capacity ensure the gearboxes are capable of handling maximum vertical loads of up to 1,450 Kg and output torque ranges from 54 Nm – 418 Nm.

Delivering optimised moment of inertia, the high efficiency planetary gearbox series from Apex Dynamics has low backlash, ring-gear housing rotation and 100% optimised helical bevel gearing hardened to 840 HV for high efficiency and precision.

Available now to order, with Apex Dynamics’ exceptional guaranteed delivery times, the GV/GVR range is easy to install. The GV Inline comes with keyed hollow shaft input connection, while the right-angled GVR has servo motor flange plain shaft input connection.

Mike Gulliford, Apex Dynamics UK, says, “The GV/GVR Series of planetary gearboxes are optimised for use in AVR applications, making them the ideal choice to withstand the complex and high vertical load demands of autonomous vehicles. We are delighted to expand the range of products we offer to industry even further with a gearbox that meets the specific needs of the growing AGV market with the high precision and performance synonymous with Apex Dynamics products.”

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New Bin-mover Robot Launched https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/materials-handling-warehousing/agv-amr-robots/new-bin-mover-robot-launched/ Sun, 22 Jun 2025 13:12:45 +0000 https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/?p=56624 Supplier of intelligent warehousing and mobile robotics, Quicktron, has launched a new solution for... Read more »

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Supplier of intelligent warehousing and mobile robotics, Quicktron, has launched a new solution for the UK market – the M5F bin-mover robot – which further enhances its Quickbin+ solution. The launch of the M5F robot marks a milestone in Quicktron’s expansion into Europe as the AMR specialist brings its innovative, affordable and intelligent robotic solutions to new customers across the continent.

Quickbin+ combines patented bin-picker and bin-mover robots in a breakthrough intelligent warehousing system that enhances storage density, optimises efficiency and delivers substantial cost savings to maximise ROI. The compact M5F robot delivers high performance to a broad range of industries and applications, from 3PL, retail and e-commerce, to healthcare, food & beverage and manufacturing.

Adaptable, efficient and agile

The M5F robot is a key component of the Quickbin+ solution, which integrates bin-picker and bin-mover robots to deliver a cost-effective, flexible entry into intelligent warehousing with lower investment and maintenance costs, and a faster payback period (as short as two years).

Enhancing efficiency, throughput and flexibility, the durable, streamlined M5F is the next generation of bin-mover robots. It has a long 11-hour battery life to minimise downtime and eliminate mid-shift charging, an acceleration of 2 m/s², and achieves speeds of up to 4.5 m/s and.

With agile horizontal transportation and curved-turn functionality, the M5F operates effectively in tight spaces to reduce operating times and cut the number of bin-mover robots required by up to 40%. Smooth performance is achieved with ±10mm accuracy using QR codes for position tracking, while inertial sensors gather real-time data to adjust orientation, detect obstacles, and ensure smooth navigation.

Working alongside other robots

The M5F is adaptable and scalable, offering easy and seamless integration with other mobile robots, including the C56 bin-picker robot. It can be reconfigured to suit an array of different workflows and applications, while its single-column, fork-arm design improves manoeuvrability and adaptability to a wide variety of different warehouse situations.

Combined with the C56 bin-picker robot, which can operate at heights up to 12m to enhance storage density, the M5F’s dual-layer buffer zones utilise both vertical and horizontal space. The dual-depth storage allows picking from two locations along the aisles, effectively doubling capacity and providing the flexibility needed to adapt to varying SKUs and seasonal demand.

Intelligent technology

Quicktron has a growing portfolio of high-performance robotic solutions and has expanded rapidly since it was founded in 2014. With businesses facing rising pressures to improve warehouse efficiency and reduce intralogistics costs, the company has more than 30,000 operational robotic units deployed worldwide, including over 1,000 AGVs in a single warehouse. The QuickBin (QB+) system is a core offering for Quicktron and a key part of its portfolio of comprehensive warehouse solutions, which integrate intelligent intralogistics technologies, including four-way shuttles, AMRs, and tote handling systems across full-scenario operations.

Quicktron has a strong focus on R&D and intelligent solutions, with more than 500 patents to its name. A long-term strategic partnership with Dematic combines both companies’ expertise, building on a proven track record of successful collaborations, including the joint delivery of multiple QuickBin and G2P picking system projects.

Yang Wei, the CEO and founder at Quicktron Robotics, commented: “The new M5F robot is part of our commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of companies, making the industry more sustainable, and freeing workers from mundane tasks, allowing them to focus on more engaging and valuable work.

“Our strong emphasis on R&D has delivered a faster, more agile, more efficient robot that reduces warehouse and intralogistics costs even further and enhances our flagship QuickBin+ solution. Integrating the new M5F with QuickBin+ provides a 50-60% saving in labour costs and a scalable, flexible future-proof solution that can adapt to companies’ changing needs.

“The M5F robot debuted at the 2025 ProMat show in Chicago in March and we’re excited to see how it can benefit companies across Europe as part of our core QuickBin+ solution.”

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Kmart Automates new Omni-channel Facility https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/materials-handling-warehousing/automation-handling-systems/kmart-automates-new-omni-channel-facility/ Thu, 19 Jun 2025 10:09:43 +0000 https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/?p=56558 Vanderlande has been selected by Kmart to automate its new logistics facility at the... Read more »

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Vanderlande has been selected by Kmart to automate its new logistics facility at the Moorebank Intermodal Precinct in Sydney. To meet the complex needs and demands of one of Australia’s most iconic retail brands, the state-of-the-art warehouse will feature Vanderlande’s FASTPICK goods-to-person
order fulfilment system.

The Kmart Group serves millions of customers per week in over 450 Kmart and Target stores across Australia and New Zealand, as well as through its online platforms and mobile apps. Kmart’s long-term growth ambitions will focus on this omni-channel approach, and address the current challenges of labour availability, rising order volumes, and increasing customer expectations.

The partnership reflects Kmart’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and future-proofing its supply chain as it continues to expand across the region. The new 100,000m² omni-channel facility will be equipped with Vanderlande’s advanced FASTPICK solution, combining the intelligent ADAPTO automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) with ten ergonomic goods-to-person (GtP) workstations.

The system has been designed to maximise picking speed, flexibility and efficiency, so that the full complexity of both business-to-business (store deliveries) and business-toconsumer (online orders) operations can be seamlessly integrated within a single omnichannel fulfilment centre. For retail distribution, a high-speed crossbelt sorter will handle both cartons and polybags with a high level of precision.

In addition, the Moorebank site will deploy a large fleet of Toyota AGVs and VNA (very narrow aisle) trucks to support internal pallet transport and high-density storage. The entire operation will be controlled by Vanderlande’s VISION warehouse control system, ensuring the intelligent coordination and
management of all processes. Together, these integrated technologies will form a scalable, future-ready platform that is tailored to meet Kmart’s operational requirements.

“The investment in the new Moorebank omni-channel fulfilment centre will be an important part of our long-term strategy to modernise our supply chain and simplify store operations,” explains Phillip Irvine, Kmart’s General Manager – Next Generation Supply Chain. “Ultimately, this approach is about delivering even more value to our customers, which is central to who we are.”

“We are excited to join Kmart on this journey to optimise its supply chain and ensure that this is ready for the future,” says Jordan Thrupp, Vanderlande’s Managing Director Australia. “The strong partnership we’ve built with their team has been instrumental in delivering the best possible solution, and we remain committed to supporting Kmart’s ongoing success.”

Stephan Heessels, Vanderlande’s Executive Vice President for Warehouse Solutions adds: “This project reflects our dedication to delivering scalable systems with fast and efficient order fulfilment. FASTPICK is the optimal solution for leading retailers, such as Kmart, facing unpredictable long-term growth across their store and e-commerce operations.”

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Shelf-To-Person Robots Deployed for Order Fulfilment https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/materials-handling-warehousing/agv-amr-robots/shelf-to-person-robots-deployed-for-order-fulfilment/ Wed, 18 Jun 2025 14:07:47 +0000 https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/?p=56555 Geek+ has been awarded the contract by UK-based warehouse automation integrator Logistex, to deploy... Read more »

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Geek+ has been awarded the contract by UK-based warehouse automation integrator Logistex, to deploy 165 Shelf-to-Person robots at Yusen Logistics’ 1.2 million square foot distribution centre in Northampton (UK). The project marks a major milestone in warehouse automation for the 3PL industry and it’s designed for B2B and B2C multiuser operations for chilled and ambient activities.

The scalable solution will be implemented in two different phases to ensure business continuity throughout the transformation. Geek+’s P800 V6.0 solution – for pallets and shelves movement – significantly enhances picking efficiency, inventory accuracy, and space utilisation — key advantages for third-party logistics providers facing growing customer demands.

“This project demonstrates the power of flexible automation,” said Simon Houghton, Sales Director UKI at Geek+ . “Our Shelf-to-Person system enables scalable growth without disruption. We’re proud to support Yusen Logistics in their first of this kind automation project in the UK but also in the Europe region”

For Yusen Logistics, the deployment aligns with a broader digitalisation strategy aimed at increasing efficiency and responsiveness across its operations.

“By integrating Geek+’s robots, we will be able to improve accuracy, agility, and throughput,” said Ben Bird, Business Development and Solutions Design Director at Yusen Logistics. “The system will give us the flexibility to scale alongside our customers’ evolving needs while gaining a great customer experience”.

The implementation will be delivered as part of a wider warehouse automation project led by Logistex, ensuring seamless integration with Yusen’s infrastructure and business processes.

“It’s a pleasure working with Yusen and Geek+ on such a forward-thinking project,” said Justin Saw, Business Development Director at Logistex. “Together, we look forward to delivering a future-ready solution with immediate results.”

The project highlights how Goods-to-Person robotics are reshaping the logistics landscape, offering 3PLs fast ROI, reduced labour reliance, and high safety standard. With this deployment, Yusen Logistics is well-positioned to lead in a rapidly changing market.

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