British supply-chain solutions provider Wincanton has announced a multimillion-pound investment in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to expand its e-commerce capabilities.
The investment includes the deployment of 48 AMRs at the company’s Cygnia distribution centre in Northampton.
It follows a successful trial at Wincanton’s e-commerce facility in Nuneaton in June last year, which involved the deployment of six MiR100 AMRs reportedly able carry up to 100kg (220 lb) and operate for 10 hours on two hours charging time.
According to Wincanton, the trial delivered operational efficiencies and improved accuracy for organic health and beauty company Neal’s Yard Remedies.
The implementation of new technology at Cygnia’s site in Northampton means that over 25% of all Wincanton’s warehouse stock contains automation and robotics.
James Wroath, CEO of Wincanton, said: “Wincanton is investing in automation and robotics to increase the agility, resilience and efficiency of our e-commerce customers’ supply chains.
“This, in turn, means that our customers can then focus their investment on product development.
“Once deployed by Cygnia, this state-of-the-art technology will be a critical part of our success.”
The company hopes the investment will help make customer operations and the management of production volumes more efficient as it expands its e-commerce ambitions.
