Robotics companies Berkshire Grey and Swisslog are working together to help grocery, ecommerce and retail firms meet the demands of connected consumers while managing widespread labour shortages.

Massachusetts-based Berkshire Grey specialises in AI-enabled robotics and Swiss firm Swisslog is a provider of future-ready, data-driven robotics. The partnership will initially focus on the American market.

Together, Swisslog and Berkshire Grey are providing AI-enabled robotics to global enterprises seeking to master the challenge of real-time order fulfilment through automation. With this announcement, Swisslog will become part of Berkshire Grey’s Partner Alliance programme providing scalable robotics developed to improve fulfilment throughput while driving down operational costs.

Swisslog has multiple flexible, scalable and modular automation technologies for major retail, e-grocery, ecommerce and consumer goods users, with more than 2000 integrated installations around the globe including Walmart, Target, H-E-B and Ahold Delhaize.

Berkshire Grey’s products combine artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to automate warehouse operations including ecommerce fulfilment, retail replenishment, reverse logistics and package handling logistics.

“Swisslog is excited to partner with Berkshire Grey, one of the most forward-thinking companies in AI-enabled robotic automation,” said Markus Schmidt, president of Swisslog in the Americas. “It is a continuation of our commitment to provide our customers with the innovative technology that best meets their needs and accomplishes their objectives. We view this as a first step in a fruitful relationship with Berkshire Grey. Together, we will continue to shape the future of data-driven, robotics by providing the next generation of warehouse automation and creating reliable and unparalleled results for our distribution, e-grocery and ecommerce customers.”

Steve Johnson, president of Berkshire Grey, added: “Both Berkshire Grey and Swisslog have broad portfolios of complementary solutions and the same goal: providing automation that helps customers meet ongoing consumer demand for anything, anytime, anywhere order fulfilment. We’re focused on leveraging Swisslog’s experience working closely with customers to identify and implement automation technologies that meet business objectives alongside our advanced robotics for joint customers, ultimately helping companies use automation to streamline their operations and maximise productivity.”