Warehouse robotics manufacturer Locus Robotics has begun a strategic partnership with reverse logistics technology company Optoro to deliver a fully integrated high-volume end-to-end reverse logistics solution.
Optoro’s returns technology platform seamlessly integrates with Locus’ autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to better handle returns, especially during peak seasons for retail when returns are exceptionally high. The combined solution uses data science and real-time decision-making automation to determine the best path for each returned item.
The companies believe that this can improve efficiency, maximise repurchases and recovery, reduce labour costs, and reduce environmental waste – allowing retailers to focus on forward fulfilment while offering the best customer experience.
Al Dekin, chief revenue officer, Locus Robotics, said: “Returns and reverse logistics have historically been high-volume, high-cost functions that are typically quite complicated. We believe our partnership with Optoro will provide 3PLs, retailers, warehouse operators, and others a repeatable, efficient, and proven solution.”
Locus Robotics acknowledges that as e-commerce order volumes continue to grow, so too do returns. According to the National Retail Federation, US retail returns totalled US$816bn (£677bn) in 2022, with e-commerce returns totalling US$212bn (£175.9bn) – both totals more than doubled from 2019.
Locus Robotics (Stand i710) will be at Robotics and Automation and IntraLogisteX on 28-29 March 2023 at the NEC Birmingham. For more information, visit www.intralogistex.co.uk and www.roboticsandautomation.co.uk.
