AMR cross-docking for grocers

Geek+ says supermarkets are now able to get goods with short shelf lives out to locations for their customers in record time. The inventory storage period is short, the picking speed is fast, and the solution is suited for meeting the same-day delivery needs of mainstream eCommerce, retail, fresh food, and other scenarios where shelf lives are short.

Whereas traditional cross-docking approaches could handle volumes of 150-200 cases received and dispatched per hour, according to the supplier, Geek+ P800 robots process inventory at a rate of 300 to 500 cases per hour while retaining order fulfilment accuracy of 99.99%. This puts food and other perishables onto supermarket shelves as quickly as possible and minimises waste while delivering the freshest, best-quality ingredients to consumers.

Geek+’s AMRs simplify cross-docking operations. Whole pallets are received and directly put away and picked without unstacking. Algorithms manage the inventory, compile order pallets, and then automatically deliver them to collection points. The solution’s flexibility allows temporary storage and order collection to be done simultaneously in the same area. The reduction in space and overall steps between receiving and distribution possible means that one terminal can support more stores.

The solution can be implemented and operational in two months, meaning that the boost in productivity and return on investment can be realised quickly. Two global top 10 supermarket chains have already successfully implemented Geek+’s cross-docking technology in their distribution centres.

Geek+ co-founder and VP of picking and smart warehouse Kai Liu, said: “AMR-driven cross-docking is a major boon to supermarket operations everywhere. By entrusting this crucial step of the supply chain to robotics technology, we can minimise the time foodstuffs spend in storage and maximise the time they are on the shelves where people can enjoy them. This is another example of how AMRs can improve our quality of life.”

For more information, visit www.geekplus.com