So far in the Futuristic Fulfilment series we have explored concepts that solve the last-mile delivery conundrum and highlighted the sustainable delivery solutions that are introducing eco-friendly principles into the supply chain.
In this third and final instalment of the series we focus on the cutting-edge robotic technology that has the potential to revolutionise logistics systems for companies and customers alike.
In this final post, GDR CEO Kate Ancketill talks with Retail Robotics CEO Łukasz Nowiński and CMO Marek Piotrowski about its various robotic click-and-collect solutions that are transforming last mile delivery in our cities and beyond.
We also highlight other ultra-efficient AI and robotics-backed concepts that are making it easier for customers to get hold of their online purchases near to where they live and work.
Revolutionary last mile technologies
Leading robotic fulfilment solutions
Urbx Market
Urbx Market is an automated fulfilment centre concept from Boston-based Urbx Logistics that reimagines the grocery store of the future.
Likened to a giant vending machine, the vertical structure can sit on top of a building and hold up to 50,000 products. It is powered by an automated robotics system that can “retrieve, pick and pack multi-item orders and assemble them in minutes” before dispensing them to pick-up points below. Theoretically, customers could order from touchscreens on the ground floor and wait for their items, or they could order through an app for collection or delivery.
One potential use case is that the ground floor could host a reduced-sized grocery space selling the items that shoppers want to see, touch and smell before purchase – essentially fresh produce, meat and fish. Customers would then place an order for all of their ambient items on a touchscreen or through the app, and these would be packed by the automated logistics system while the customer selected their fresh items.
Ochama
Chinese ecommerce giant JD.com has launched an urban click-and-collect-focused retailer in the Netherlands powered by the automated logistics infrastructure it uses in its warehouses. Ochama, which is said to stand for “omnichannel amazing”, is a new retail brand that will sell a wide range of products spanning food, homewares, consumer electronics and fashion via a members-only app.
Once customers have placed their order, JD.com’s fleet of automated ground vehicles assemble their items into a single box and a robotic arm is used to place the order into a set collection bay. When a customer arrives at the pick-up point in the physical Ochama store, which is connected to the warehouse, they must scan their Ochama app and their box will automatically be delivered on a conveyer belt to the bay they are waiting at.
Interestingly, to get to the click-and-collect bays at the back of the store, customers must walk through the Showroom area, where Ochama will showcase a range of products that need to be experienced. All of these items can be purchased through the Ochama app.
Delipop
Delipop is a multi-brand robotic click-and-collect solution that will be rolled out in city centre locations allowing consumers to pick up their purchases from a variety of categories across multiple brands in one place, simply by scanning a QR code.
The first Delipop location opened in Paris in summer 2021 and uses Retail Robotics’ Arctan machine to store products and vend them when prompted by the customer. Retail Robotics positions Delipop as being an integral part of the 15 minute city of the future, offering the choice and prices of the hypermarket in urban locations.
If you’re interested in any of the themes discussed in this article, get in touch with rachel@gdruk.com to find out how GDR’s consultancy, inspirational speaking, trends and sector reports can help drive positive change in your business.
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