Geodis is investing in warehouse-based robotics and automation technology supplied by Geek+ to accelerate a shift towards digitalization and as part of efforts to support the booming e-commerce with swift order fulfilment.

In a statement, it said it is deploying Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) from global technology company Geek+ which specializes in smart logistics through advanced robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), at its Yuen Long Warehouse Distribution Centre (YLDC) in Hong Kong.

The YLDC will be provided with an exclusive AMR operating area with QR coding to guide automated operations. It added that the smart facility underlines Geodis’ digital-first outlook to future operations.

“Our investments in this AI-driven automation system brings substantial value to GEODIS’ e-commerce and retail customers by addressing some of the key challenges they face today. These solutions not only bring long-term cost-savings, operational efficiencies, and safety, but also enable us to maintain high-quality control standards while providing customers greater speed and flexibility of movement of goods,” commented Onno Boots, regional president & CEO, Asia Pacific.

Geodis' initial project AMR deployment features customized storage racks and shelves that do not require aisles in between while parked.

The high-density storage buffer also allows GEODIS to maximize its storage capacity for improved customer fulfillment processes.

Geek+ robots will also be used for locating, tracking, and moving inventory through “Goods-to-Person Picking” solutions which Geodis said allows orders to be delivered directly to pick and pack stations, eliminating any movement time needed by operators to search for items.

"In addition to improved real estate utilization, AMR adoption minimizes manual labor and reduces the risk of human error—improving picking accuracy and reducing inventory count errors," Geodis said, adding that the use of AMR will also mitigate some of the challenges brought on by COVID-19, such as social distancing protocols in warehouses.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates GEODIS’ continued commitment to innovation and its momentum in addressing the increasingly complex production and challenges in the Hong Kong Contract Logistics (HKCL) landscape in the last two years,” said Chris Cahill, managing director, North Asia Sub-Region said.

“In the long run, digital solutions and technologies like robotics and AI give us more data and insights so we can continue to finesse our operations to fulfill the needs of our customers.”

Geodis noted that the Geek+ solution advances its goal of boosting its smart logistics portfolio and provides a competitive edge to meet the rising demands for agility and accuracy amidst soaring demand in the e-commerce, retail and FMCG segments.

Geodis said it has around 250 autonomous mobile robots worldwide.