AI, Robotics, and Partnerships Reshape Logistics

Automation in warehousing is being propelled by strategic partnerships, cutting-edge robotics, and AI-powered software. Companies like Swisslog, Bailey, GreyOrange, and Comau are investing in intelligent storage, adaptable order fulfillment systems, and scalable automation solutions. These innovations optimize space, speed delivery, and reduce operational costs while enabling facilities to adapt quickly to shifting market demands. From multi-temperature smart storage to modular orchestration software, these collaborations are redefining how modern warehouses and logistics centers operate.

Swisslog’s AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system uses small box-like robots to weave in and out of vertically arranged stacks to pick bins for further processing. Image used courtesy of Swisslog

Sutimo Drive Technologies And Swisslog

Sutimo Drive Technologies will implement Swisslog Holding AG’s AutoStore, a smart-storage, order fulfillment solution that incorporates autonomous forklift trucks to help streamline goods-to-person (G2P) operations and maximize storage space.

AutoStore’s Multi-Temperature Solution (MTS) opens up a new market avenue for smart storage and order fulfillment in the food and beverage industry. The technology allows culinary storage at different temperature zones (ambient, cold/fresh, and frozen) to accommodate various food and beverage storage requirements.

AutoStore is a highly efficient picking and packing solution that maximizes floor space. Video used courtesy of Swisslog

Swisslog France partnered with La Réserve des Saveurs to advance refrigerated logistics operations. With AutoStore MTS, fresh and frozen items are next to those stored under ambient conditions. These systems are linked to a conveyor with centralized picking and replenishment under control via the SynQ warehouse management system (WMS). According to Swisslog, the SynQ software can help customers increase delivery speed by up to 20%. Swisslog also says that its AutoStore system can achieve as many as 20,000 picks per hour and offer the highest order fulfillment per square meter out of any G2P solution currently available.

The AutoStore system enables customers to stack bins containing multiple stock-keeping units (SKUs) on top of each other. The highly adaptive system learns which products have a high turnover, placing them at the top layer of stacked bin storage layouts for easy access, maximising productivity and efficiency.

While AutoStore uses robots and bins to process small order volumes, it has the flexibility and speed to sort orders for higher-volume retail and higher-throughput retail setups.

With Swisslog’s innovative automated storage and order picking system and dedicated SynQ software, Sutimo Drive Technologies is primed to help save on costs associated with warehouse expansion and maintain the speed and efficiency required.

Bailey and GreyOrange

Coupling warehouse operation know-how with advanced AI-backed software, Bailey Equipment and Intralogistics, and GreyOrange are another duo uniting to modernize order fulfillment.

Bailey intends to use GreyOrange’s GreyMatter software to deliver smart warehouse automation for customers wishing to build energy-efficient, intelligently grounded warehouse systems that are responsive, safe, and efficient, whether basing the project on greenfield or brownfield.

GreyOrange’s Certified Ranger Network is part of the GreyMatter software offering, provisioning customers with tailored robotic solutions to suit specific order fulfillment needs.

Omnichannel distribution centers are the future of order fulfillment, where AI-backed software helps corroborate and streamline worker and robot workflows, as well as keep track of inventories and maximise throughput. Video used courtesy of GreyOrange

Bailey wishes to help businesses build scalable, flexible, and adaptable operations to help keep up with supply chain demands and reduce bottlenecks and unwanted downtime.

The GreyMatter software dynamically orchestrates personnel, robots, and material handling devices using information captured in real time and AI. GreyMatter continually tracks inventory levels, order priority, and resource supply to make intelligent, real-time judgements for workflow execution. Customers can integrate GreyMatter's modular APIs with current warehouse control systems (WCS), allowing robotic machinery and systems to communicate in unison for frictionless enterprise-wide operations. The platform is unique because it uses modular functionality blocks, enabling control engineers to add, delete, or modify particular features like robot coordination, routing logic, and picking methods. This adaptability guarantees the system can promptly adjust to changing automation objectives and operational requirements.

Comau’s Automha Acquisition

Comau has strategically moved to acquire Automha to establish a foothold in the rapidly expanding logistics and warehouse automation market. The agreement supports Comau's overarching objective of expanding into rapidly growing markets with its advanced automation hardware and software, coupled with a human-focused approach.

Comau maintains Automha's current workforce, structure, and strategic direction while expanding its portfolio with Automha's scalable automation solutions. By setting up base in Italian soil and growing its presence as an innovative and expert leader in industrial automation, the alliance bolsters Comau's service offerings and international reach.