Geodis picks up 1,000 new robots for DC operations

Geodis is planning to deploy 1,000 LocusBots at warehouses around the world.

The rollout, which will take place over the next 24 months, is one of the industry’s largest autonomous mobile robot (AMR) deals to date.

Geodis is currently using Locus AMRs at 14 sites around the world, serving retail and consumer companies, including warehouses in the U.S. and Europe. The agreement will expand that footprint significantly as new sites are deployed.

Geodis and Locus Robotics first began partnering together in 2018 in Indiana site. Since then, Geodis says the Locus Solution has provided improvements in productivity, while also making work easier by reducing tedious, repetitive tasks. This has in turn helped improve retention rates, the 3PL said.

LocusBots help Geodis e-commerce warehouses manage order picking and inventory replenishment, increasing throughput to speed delivery processes. LocusBots significantly reduce unproductive walking time, eliminate maneuvering heavy manual carts through warehouses, lower the physical demands on employees, and improve workplace ergonomics and quality.

“As we continue to navigate industry-wide challenges such as skyrocketing e-commerce demand and labour constraints, it is crucial we remain committed to implementing the most innovative and effective robotics automation solutions available into our warehouses to allow us to best serve our customers,” said Eric Douglas, executive vice-president of technology and Engineering at Geodis in Americas.

“Locus’ collaborative multi-bot approach has proven its effectiveness and reliability at each of our sites, giving us the ability to easily scale performance while providing a safe, smart working environment for our teammates. This new expansion agreement reinforces our clear and ongoing commitment to cutting-edge technology to meet our exploding customer volumes globally.”