Locus Robotics, a leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMR) for fulfillment warehouses, has expanded its product line with new warehouse robots and signed a new contract with GXO Logistics.
Joining the existing Locus Origin robot, the new autonomous robots Locus Vector and Locus Max form a comprehensive family of AMRs for a broad range of warehouse use cases.
The new line of LocusBots addresses use cases from e-commerce, case-picking, and pallet-picking to scenarios requiring larger, heavier payloads to support the full range of product movement needs in today’s fulfillment and distribution warehouses.
“With these new LocusBots, we’re able to help our clients alleviate significant labor challenges and achieve optimal productivity by using the right bot for the job,” Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics, said. “Locus is the proven leader in developing highly productive and innovative AMR technology that efficiently solves our customers’ needs for total warehouse optimization, while delivering a fast time to value.”
“Locus’s innovative multi-bot solution has helped DHL to consistently double our workers’ productivity all around the world,” added Adrian Kumar, Global Head of Operations Science & Analytics at DHL Supply Chain. “This new robot lineup – with the different form factors all working together as a coordinated fleet – means we always assign the right robot, even as our needs change dynamically throughout the workday.”
Maximum warehouse efficiency, flexibility, heavyweight load capacity
The robotics technology company explained that Locus Origin provides maximum warehouse efficiency with proven fulfillment productivity and maneuverability, incorporating the latest navigation and vision system technologies. It works easily and collaboratively with associates in dynamic warehouse environments.
The new Locus Vector offers flexibility for a wide range of tasks from fulfillment to transport to putaway. It features omnidirectional mobility, compact design, and robust payload capacity for use in any environment. Locus Vector will ship to customers starting this summer.
Finally, Locus Max provides a heavyweight load capacity and unparalleled flexibility to easily transport a wide variety of heavy materials, cartons, or pallets. It is ideal for industrial and material handling applications. Currently deployed at several sites, Locus Max will have limited availability in 2022 and expanded availability in 2023.
All the LocusBots are fully integrated within LocusOne, the intelligent, multi-bot warehouse orchestration platform that delivers predictable, efficient, and scalable productivity and cost optimisation for all product movement within the four walls of the warehouse. The platform seamlessly centralises and coordinates a dynamic, multi-bot fleet while also providing detailed, forward-looking, and actionable business intelligence and reporting for effective management and planning.
New contract with GXO Logistics
In addition to the expanded product line, Locus Robotics has signed a new agreement with the pure-play contract logistics provider GXO Logistics to support high-volume order fulfillment for a large sports-fashion retail company in the UK and Netherlands.
To accommodate the explosive growth of its European retail customer, GXO has deployed 65 Locus Robotics AMRs at their warehouses. The LocusBots optimise productivity in the order fulfillment process by decreasing unproductive walking time and eliminating the physical challenges of pulling heavy pick trolleys.
“Locus’s innovative multi-bot approach, flexibility, scalability, and fast ROI is helping GXO to consistently exceed their global customers’ expectations,” Faulk said. “This deployment allows GXO to further scale its operations for the customer as they expand into new markets and reach more consumers.”
“This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to deploy innovative logistics solutions that use advanced technology to address increasingly complex fulfillment challenges,” Gavin Williams, Managing Director of GXO, UK and Ireland, said.
