Asda deploys Geek+ robots to improve parcel service

  • April 27, 2021
  • Steve Rogerson

British supermarket chain Asda is using an intelligent sorting system from Chinese robotics firm Geek+ to support continued growth across its parcel collection and returns business.

Sixty autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) have been placed into the supermarket’s South Elmsall, West Yorkshire, distribution centre, allowing 2000 parcels to be sorted each hour with 99.99% accuracy through its Asda Toyou service.

The installation marks the first time the technology has been used in this way in the UK, supporting an increase in capacity for Asda Toyou as demand for parcel collection and returns services has grown at pace in the last 12 months. With the pandemic causing a change in customer behaviour and an uplift in the number of purchases made online, Toyou experienced significant growth through the provision of a returns system that allowed shoppers to combine activities in a single trip to an Asda store.

At the same time, Toyou has expanded the number of retailers it supports. Over 100 are now available via the service, which has seen it process 65% more returns than at the start of 2020.

The project was implemented by AMH Material Handling, a provider of material handling technology, and Geek+. By integrating S20C robots into the existing Asda Logistics Services sorting system, it has provided Toyou with the ability to respond to rapid changes in order volume and continue to provide services during periods of peak demand.

“We’re proud to see AMH leverage our sorting system to support a leading retailer like Asda with the flexibility and efficiency needed to expand its Asda Toyou business,” said Lit Fung, vice president of Geek+. “The process for intelligent sorting is pretty straightforward. By letting a network of AMRs transfer incoming parcels from workstations to cages of corresponding destinations, we can improve accuracy and efficiency while also making the process more ergonomic for warehouse employees. With no need for fixed platform development, it makes it easy for Asda to scale operations in line with business growth. All they have to do is adjust the number of robots and destination chutes.”

Geek+ and AMH started to cooperate in 2019 when AMH recognised Geek+ robotics provided industry-leading technology. Today, the two work closely together to provide clients all over the UK with automation.

“We had a lot of fun delivering the solution as Geek+ sorting robots are a highly flexible technology that can be integrated and customised to work with existing equipment on customer sites, such as conveyor belts or other robots,” said Adrian Carter, sales director at AMH Material Handling. “It provides us a powerful tool for optimising sorting operations according to the specific needs of each customer. And, as an integrator, AI-enabled robotics add a new dimension to our services as it allows us to continuously support our customers according to changes in business needs.”

Jon Parry, vice president of Asda Logistics Services, added: “We’re pleased to be one of the first retailers in the UK to pioneer the Geek+ S20C robots in our national sortation centre working in collaboration with partners at Geek+ and AMH. The robots work alongside our colleagues, enabling us to drive greater efficiencies at times of peak demand, which have helped to boost the number of parcels we’re now able to sort through our Asda Toyou service.”

Geek+ has 300 global customers and has deployed more than 10,000 robots worldwide. Founded in 2015, it has more than 800 employees and is headquartered in Beijing, with offices in Germany, UK, USA, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

AMH Material Handling is a UK distributor for Geek+ robotics and AI logistics. Founded in 2015, it has offices in Stoke-On-Trent and Halesowen employing more than 60 employees nationwide.

Asda Logistics Services is a division of Asda Stores, supporting nationwide distribution across all five of the business’s store formats, as well as the retailer’s Toyou service and the delivery of parcels to customers’ homes. Its distribution network includes 20 food depots, three clothing centres, two core hub National DCs, two import centres, five dot.com fulfilment centres, a national sortation centre and nine ASCs.

Asda Toyou supports the collection and return of parcels from more than 600 locations. Today the service allows customers to pick up and return parcels at their local Asda store via George.com and over 100 online and High Street retailers, with real-time parcel tracking, automated parcel collections and QR code technology to support the printing of returns labels and parcel collection in store.