Shelf-To-Person Robots Deployed for Order Fulfilment

Geek+ has been awarded the contract by UK-based warehouse automation integrator Logistex, to deploy 165 Shelf-to-Person robots at Yusen Logistics’ 1.2 million square foot distribution centre in Northampton (UK). The project marks a major milestone in warehouse automation for the 3PL industry and it’s designed for B2B and B2C multiuser operations for chilled and ambient activities.

The scalable solution will be implemented in two different phases to ensure business continuity throughout the transformation. Geek+’s P800 V6.0 solution – for pallets and shelves movement – significantly enhances picking efficiency, inventory accuracy, and space utilisation — key advantages for third-party logistics providers facing growing customer demands.

“This project demonstrates the power of flexible automation,” said Simon Houghton, Sales Director UKI at Geek+ . “Our Shelf-to-Person system enables scalable growth without disruption. We’re proud to support Yusen Logistics in their first of this kind automation project in the UK but also in the Europe region”

For Yusen Logistics, the deployment aligns with a broader digitalisation strategy aimed at increasing efficiency and responsiveness across its operations.

“By integrating Geek+’s robots, we will be able to improve accuracy, agility, and throughput,” said Ben Bird, Business Development and Solutions Design Director at Yusen Logistics. “The system will give us the flexibility to scale alongside our customers’ evolving needs while gaining a great customer experience”.

The implementation will be delivered as part of a wider warehouse automation project led by Logistex, ensuring seamless integration with Yusen’s infrastructure and business processes.

“It’s a pleasure working with Yusen and Geek+ on such a forward-thinking project,” said Justin Saw, Business Development Director at Logistex. “Together, we look forward to delivering a future-ready solution with immediate results.”

The project highlights how Goods-to-Person robotics are reshaping the logistics landscape, offering 3PLs fast ROI, reduced labour reliance, and high safety standard. With this deployment, Yusen Logistics is well-positioned to lead in a rapidly changing market.

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Hai Robotics Opens UK Office in Northampton

Hai Robotics, a worldwide leader in Autonomous Case-handling Robot (ACR) systems in warehouses, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its maiden UK office at Vulcan Works, a new space for creative and digital businesses in Northampton.

Since establishing its European headquarters in the Netherlands in late 2021, Hai Robotics has quickly developed a reputation for revolutionising warehouse automation throughout the region, undertaking more than 30 projects across Europe and four in the UK. This growth is further bolstered by partnerships with UK companies including Logistex, Breathe Technologies and Invar Group.

The new office at Vulcan Works in Northampton will house the sales, solutions, implementation, testing, after-sales support, PR and marketing functions of Hai Robotics UK Ltd. The team will be fully supported by the company’s European HQ in the Netherlands.

“Launching our inaugural UK office signifies a critical milestone for Hai Robotics and underscores our enduring commitment to this vibrant market,” declared Damien Skinner, Country Manager of the UK & Ireland. “Our decision to establish ourselves at Vulcan Works was driven by a multitude of factors. Northampton’s strategic location in the heart of the UK’s ‘Logistics Golden Triangle’—Bedford-Birmingham-Nottingham—ensures our close proximity to customers and site references. Additionally, the comprehensive facilities at Vulcan Works, which feature beautifully restored spaces, well-equipped meeting rooms with flexible booking options, provide an environment conducive for growth and innovation. Above all, the flexibility and security offered by Vulcan Works are paramount in fuelling our progressive journey.”

Recently, Hai Robotics proudly unveiled a ground-breaking project in the UK, joining forces with Logistex to optimise John Lewis Partnership’s new e-commerce distribution centre in Fenny Lock, Milton Keynes. The project is centred around the deployment of a picking solution powered by Hai Robotics’ innovative ACR robots and HaiPort workstations, which also provide flexibility and scalability for future expansion. Hai Robotics initiatives have seen the successful implementation of 160 ACR robots. In addition, the company has solidified its presence in the market by securing two more substantial contracts, further contributing to its growth trajectory.

“We are thrilled to welcome Hai Robotics to Vulcan Works,” added Centre Manager of Vulkan Works, Garrick Hurter. “To have a global company who is at the forefront of such impressive digital technology and forward-thinking automation choose our space as a location for its first UK office is a real coup.

“This is a prime example of the type of business we want to attract to the centre – a company who is looking to grow and expand with a digital or creative focus. We know that Hai Robotics will really flourish here, not just thanks to our wonderful facilities that are conducive to productive, collaborative working, but also through our additional business support events and workshops and prime location.”

ACR systems provided by Hai Robotics deliver highly efficient Goods-to-Person solutions that blend perfectly within the warehouse environment. Notably, these systems can increase storage density by an astonishing 80 to 400 per cent and enhance worker efficiency by three to four times, outperforming traditional warehouse automation solutions. Moreover, ACR robots can reach impressive heights of up to 10 metres, making them a game-changer in warehouse operations.

Certified by UKCA and CE, Hai Robotics‘ revolutionary ACR systems are all set to bring about a seismic shift in the UK’s warehouses and logistics centres, promising extraordinary benefits that set the company apart from the rest, reshaping the future of logistics in the UK.

Ecommerce DC Deploys Array of Automation

John Lewis’ new e-commerce distribution centre in Fenny Lock, Milton Keynes, UK, features an array of automation technology. Robotics and Automation supplier Logistex was chosen earlier this year to implement its warehouse execution system to optimise the systems.

The multi-phase project will initially see Logistex deploy its Warehouse Execution System, Reflex, which will orchestrate the picking of orders across multiple zones of the Fenny Lock DC and provide full integration with conveyors, robots and automated bagging machines.

Future phases will include the deployment of an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) tote-to-person (TTP) picking solution based on Hai Robotics’ ACR robots and HaiPort workstations.

Tony Gruber, MD Logistex, said: “We are delighted to be working with John Lewis on this strategically important initiative. It combines all of our key capabilities in one project, solution design, the deployment of our Reflex WES platform in a multi-agent robotic-based automation environment & complete project life cycle support. We look forward to a successful project and an enduring relationship with John Lewis”.

John Munnelly, Head of Distribution, John Lewis Partnership (JLP), added: “This is an exciting partnership which will transform our Fenny Lock site, as we look for new and innovative ways on how to best serve our customers.”

Damien Skinner, Country Manager of UK & Ireland, Hai Robotics, said:

“We are thrilled JLP and Logistex have found the right solution with Hai Robotics’ HaiPick, which can reach up to 10m for picking and storing. We look forward to working with them on this project and expanding our partnership. One of the reasons why HaiPick was the right fit for the Logistex solution is because it is highly flexible and suitable to be deployed in existing sites. Next to that, the solution is rapidly scalable and is designed with plans for expansion in mind. HaiPick is fully CE and UKCA compliant and can be deployed relatively quickly. We will be working closely together with Logistex to achieve successful deployment for John Lewis through a joint testing methodology.”

Hai Robotics HaiPick systems can increase storage density by 80 to 400 percent while improving worker efficiency by 3 to 4 times. In addition, ACR robots can reach up to 10m high (32.8 ft). Compared with existing, especially traditional warehouse automation solutions, Hai Robotics‘ UKCA certified solutions can deliver extraordinary benefits for warehouses and logistical centres in the UK. The HaiPick systems provide more flexibility in terms of future expansion, exponentially increase operational efficiency, require less implementation time and are more cost-effective.

 

Logistex Announces Partnership with John Lewis

Logistex has been awarded a contract by the John Lewis Partnership to design and implement a solution to optimise their new e-commerce distribution centre at Fenny Lock, Milton Keynes.

The multi-phase project will initially see Logistex deploy its Warehouse Execution System (WES) Reflex, which will orchestrate the picking of orders across multiple zones of the Fenny Lock DC, and provides full integration with conveyors, Locus “Origin” robots and automated bagging Machines.

Future phases will include the deployment of an Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) Tote-to-Person (TTP) picking solution based on HAI Robotics HAIPICK robots and HAIPORT Workstations.

Tony Gruber MD Logistex: “We are delighted to be working with JLP on this strategically important initiative. It combines all of our key capabilities in one project, solution design, the deployment of our Reflex WES platform in a multi agent robotic based automation environment & complete project life cycle support. We look forward to a successful project and an enduring relationship with JLP”.

John Munnelly Head of Distribution, John Lewis Partnership said “This an exciting partnership which will transform our Fenny Lock site, as we look for new and innovative ways on how to best serve our customers.”

Logistex provides automated materials handling and software Warehouse Execution Systems (WES) solutions for warehousing operations. We are specialists in storage and retrieval, order forwarding, Goods to Person Picking and Robotic systems. As an independent warehouse automation specialist, Logistex integrate products from across the industry without compromise. Our services cover warehouse/materials handling design & implementation, warehouse management software and control systems, equipment refurbishment and maintenance, facilities management and 24/7 hotline support and spares.

The John Lewis Partnership owns and operates two of Britain’s best-loved retail brands – John Lewis and Waitrose. Started as a radical experiment over a century ago, the Partnership is now the largest employee-owned business in the UK, with over 74,000 employees who are all Partners in the business. The Partnership is purpose-driven, existing to create a fairer and more sustainable future for Partners, customers, suppliers and communities.

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