Warehouse robotics firm Exotec commercially launches next gen Skypod system

Warehouse robotics provider, Exotec, has announced the commercial launch of the next generation of its Skypod system.

Featuring a new and more compact Skypod robot, a workstation for robot-to-robot picking, a high throughput exchanger and denser storage, these redesigns, combined with new software features, are said to improve the throughput at a single workstation by 50%, while enhancing storage density by up to 30% compared to the previous generation.  

Suitable for both each and case picking, Skypod integrates features like automated buffering, perfect sequencing and pick-and-pack, reducing the need for conveyors, sorters, and external storage.

“When designing the next generation Skypod, our goal was to create a solution that would set the industry standard of operational excellence and elegance for the next decade and beyond," says Romain Moulin, CEO and Co-founder at Exotec.

“We’re already seeing our customers reimagine their entire supply chain around the transformative capabilities of this innovation, from combining case and each picking operations, to leveraging outbound sequencing to improve transportation costs. Witnessing this level of impact has been incredibly rewarding.”

Over the past two years, Exotec has sold and deployed the new look system globally in stealth mode. The company has secured over 20 projects worldwide, totalling $400 million, to customers including Oxford Industries (Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, Southern Tide, etc.) and E.Leclerc.

“We chose Exotec for its storage density and its operational flexibility. Robotic advancements have enabled us to set up a larger buffer area for prepared orders within the system,” says Maxence Maurice, CEO at E. Leclerc Seclin. “Previously, I estimated that the customer journey, from arriving at the pick-up point to leaving with their groceries, took between 10 and 15 minutes. Today, with the Exotec solution, it takes less than five minutes.”

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Supply chain technology was a key focus area at the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering.