Ocado Intelligent Automation: Revolutionising Fulfilment with Chuck AMRs

This session at DELIVER Europe 2024 featured Ocado Intelligent Automation (OIA) and its customer, GXO, discussing the successful implementation of Chuck AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) in GXO's warehouses. The discussion highlighted the benefits of Chuck in improving efficiency, productivity, and flexibility in fulfilment operations.

Ocado's Journey into Intelligent Automation

Ocado, originally an online grocery retailer, developed extensive expertise in automation and technology to optimise its fulfilment centres. In 2022, Ocado formed OIA to offer its proprietary technology solutions to other industries. The acquisition of 6 River Systems (6RS) and its Chuck AMRs further expanded OIA's portfolio, providing customers with a wider range of automation solutions.

Chuck AMRs: Key Benefits and Features

Chuck AMRs are designed to bridge the gap between manual and fully automated operations, offering a flexible and scalable solution for businesses looking to improve efficiency and throughput. Key benefits include:

• Reduced Travel Time: Chuck eliminates the need for operators to walk long distances, reducing travel time by up to 35%.
• Improved Order Grouping: Chuck groups similar items together, improving picking efficiency and reducing pick face congestion.
• Enhanced Operator Experience: Chuck provides visual cues and instructions, simplifying training and improving accuracy.
• Easy Deployment: Chuck can be deployed in both brownfield and greenfield sites with minimal disruption and integration challenges.

GXO's Automation Strategy and Success with Chuck

GXO, a global contract logistics company, has embraced automation as a key differentiator, with over 40% of its business incorporating automation solutions. GXO has deployed over 800 Chuck robots across 40 sites globally, achieving significant improvements in productivity, accuracy, and employee satisfaction.

Key Takeaways from the Session

• Flexibility and Scalability: Chuck offers a flexible and scalable solution for businesses of all sizes and order volumes.
• Rapid Deployment: Chuck can be deployed quickly, typically within 12-14 weeks, making it ideal for addressing immediate challenges and peak demands.
• Integration and Support: OIA provides comprehensive integration support and a dedicated customer success team to ensure smooth implementation and ongoing optimisation.
• Strong ROI: Chuck delivers a strong return on investment, typically within 1-2 years, and in some cases, even less than 12 months.
• Future-Proof Solution: OIA's commitment to innovation and ongoing development ensures that Chuck remains a cutting-edge solution for evolving fulfilment needs.

The Future of Fulfilment: AI and Beyond

The session concluded with a discussion on the future of fulfilment, highlighting the growing role of AI and other advanced technologies. OIA is actively developing new solutions, including larger AMRs, robotic picking arms, and automated truck loading and unloading systems, to further optimise warehouse operations and address evolving challenges.

This session provided valuable insights into the benefits of Chuck AMRs and OIA's commitment to providing innovative and customer-centric automation solutions for businesses across various industries.