Zalando is set to install around 50 AI-powered robots in its European fulfilment centres following a successful pilot project that achieved 100,000 picks per day.

The robotic units, named Richard, can pick and scan items, placing them into automatic pocket sorters.

The robots have been installed in partnership with Nomagic, a provider of AI-powered robotics for warehouses.

The fashion retailer said the robots have AI-powered vision and can recognise materials and shapes, adjusting their grip in real time in response to different products.

By continuously learning and adapting to shifting inventory, Zalando said the technology can handle large volumes of changing products within its fulfilment centres.

While automation is common in logistics, Zalando said that shoeboxes have historically been one of the most challenging items to automate in fashion logistics, as their loose lids often detach when handled by standard robotic arms.

The company claims that the new robots are able to cope with this challenge, as the precision grippers secure the box from two sides to ensure the lid remains intact during transit.

The first units are already in use in Lahr, Germany, and Verona, Italy. Additional robots will be deployed across Zalando’s logistics hubs in the Netherlands, France and in Giessen, Germany.

“Following the quick and successful deployment of the first ten units, we have decided to scale our partnership, gradually rolling out more robots as our network evolves,” said Marcus Daute, vice president logistics network at Zalando. “The sheer scale of our operations demands smart automation that works with our people, not alongside them.

“By delegating simple processes to AI-powered robots, we achieve the operational excellence our customers and business partners expect while supporting employees’ growth.”

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