Chinese mobile robot maker Geek+ has announced its first project in South Africa, at online retailer Takealot’s Johannesburg facility.

Working with its partner European Conveyors & Components (ECC), Geek+ has deployed a fleet of intelligent sorting robots that are said to be setting benchmarks for operational efficiency, ergonomics and employee satisfaction in the logistics sector.

South Africa becomes the 40th country in which Geek+ has at least one project implemented.

Takealot is experiencing rapid growth, demanding technology to meet increasing logistical challenges. The installation integrates manual and automated induction stations, allowing it to handle even irregularly shaped items seamlessly, accelerating parcel handling. Automating sorting and streamlining workflows enables the warehouse to process up to 50,000 parcels daily.

“This project highlights our commitment to adopting innovations that enhance the shopping experience for our customers across South Africa and improve our employees’ well-being,” said Francois Retief, group executive at Takealot (www.takealot.com). “It improves ergonomics, reduces physical strain on our teams, and significantly enhances daily productivity. We look forward to further collaboration with Geek+ and ECC.”

Wayne Tai from Geek+ (www.geekplus.com) added: “With this deployment, we’re shaping the future of South African logistics. The speed of implementation – just six months from conception to live operation – demonstrates the synergy between Geek+, Takealot and ECC. This project serves as an ideal foundation for future collaborations.”

The collaboration is also a significant milestone for ECC, whose expertise in system integration has been key to the project’s success.

“Working alongside Geek+, the leader in order fulfilment automation, has been a rewarding experience,” said Andrew Cooper, managing director of ECC (europeanconveyors.co.za). “Together, we’ve laid the groundwork for innovations that push the boundaries of logistics in South Africa. This is our first project together, but we are excited about more projects to come.”