GXO Announces Expanded Use of Robotics in UK Warehouses

A GXO Logistics worker walks down the aisle of a U.K. warehouse facility with a 6RS cobot. (GXO Logistics via Twitter)

[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.]

More robotics are coming to the supply chain.

GXO Logistics on Dec. 14 announced it is deploying 6 River Systems or 6RS collaborative robots, also known as cobots, on multiple mezzanine floors in one of its distribution centers in Milton Keynes, England.

GXO said it collaborated with 6RS to develop and test new features on the cobots, which can automatically travel from one location to another carrying picked items, reducing employees’ walk time and helping them pick items from inventory more efficiently.

Williams

“This multitiered installation is groundbreaking for us and a first in our industry,” said Gavin Williams, GXO’s managing director in the U.K. and Ireland. “The solution illustrates our significant investment in technology that helps us improve productivity for our customers and safety for our colleagues while optimizing vertical warehouse space in Europe.”

At another GXO location, in Stroke-on-Trent, England, cobots known as “Chucks” have improved picking accuracy of products in warehouses by 40% and reduced new employee training time by 80% since the units have been deployed.

“Our work with GXO at the Milton Keynes distribution center is a prime example of 6 River Systems’ ability to meet the needs of high-volume organizations that are building multitiered warehouse installations,” 6RS co-founder and co-CEO Jerome Dubois said. “As businesses continue to seek automation solutions to meet increasing consumer demands, we’re innovating to equip them with technology to enhance safety and productivity.”

Our teams tell us over and over how much they love working alongside @6riversystems #robots. No more pushing carts, no more searching for the right bin — the “Chuck” makes it easy and efficient for employees and our customers. #GameChangers #FullPotential https://t.co/oUZH8nN4bY — GXO (@GXOLogistics) December 14, 2021

GXO said as part of its increased use of robots and increased automation the company has more than tripled its cobot count year-on-year and reported improvements in pick rates, accuracy and employee satisfaction. — Transport Topics

Want more news? Listen to today's daily briefing below or go here for more info: