Autonomous mobile robot (AMR) specialist Locus Robotics has announced a new partnership with UK retailer John Lewis & Partners, which follows the deployment of its mobile automation solutions at a distribution hub in Fenny Lock, Milton Keynes.
According to the companies, this represents the first deployment of mobile robotics at John Lewis’ logistics facilities, with the robotics company expressing that this also marks the continued expansion of its UK presence.
Picking rates have reportedly grown by 50% since the introduction of mobile automation at the site, with the LocusBots being developed to work alongside human employees to improve fulfilment process efficiency.
Read more: Locus Robotics displays AMR portfolio at Robotics and Automation 2024
One of the chief benefits Locus points to is that the bots can eliminate unproductive walking time and the need for people to push heavy carts or lift items, which can cause fatigue and longer-term physical injuries.
“Locus stood out to us for their proven technology and their experience deploying in some of the world’s most innovative facilities”, sid John Munnelly, distribution director at John Lewis.
“The Locus solution has provided the performance levels and reliability we need to keep up with the increasing focus on efficiency and in support of our customer service standards.”
The bots are principally being used to fulfil e-commerce orders from John Lewis’ website, with the fleet being brought in to both accommodate rising order volumes and decrease operational costs.
“We are delighted to be working with John Lewis as they embark on their robotics journey at their Fenny Lock distribution & fulfilment centre” added Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics.
“Our LocusBots have proven their value time and again by enabling warehouses to easily double or triple productivity. We look forward to helping John Lewis leverage our cutting-edge robotics solution to enhance operations and ensure a positive customer experience.”
