MyEnso, a German-based specialist in online grocery, has picked Chinese robotics company Geek+ to upgrade its consumer goods distribution.

Having received governmental support and financing, the robotics-driven ecommerce platform will enable regional producers, start-ups and well-known brands to connect and serve online shoppers all over Germany.

In the first half of 2021, Geek+ will implement goods-to-person technology including 30 autonomous mobile robots to MyEnso’s distribution centre of 15,000 SKUs.

“We are excited to see MyEnso join our growing European customer base and view the project as the beginning of an extensive cooperation that will enable them to streamline logistics operations and better serve their online customers,” said Jackson Zhang, vice president of Geek+ in Europe. “Additionally, we can’t wait to see them use our goods-to-person solution to boost producers regardless of size with the logistics capabilities needed to compete and shape the future of online grocery shopping in Germany.”

By letting robots carry racks of ordered goods independently between the storage area and workstation, it enables more efficient and accurate picking and put-away processes. Similarly, AI and intelligent software will enable MyEnso to streamline operations by organising its inventory according to real-time demand. Automatic self-charging capabilities and round-the-clock automated operations should help MyEnso manage peak periods and fluctuating demand.

“We were impressed with Geek+’s long track record of bringing significant improvements to ecommerce players,” said Norbert Hegmann, CEO of Enso E-Commerce. “We look forward to leveraging Geek+ smart robotics to improve the efficiency of our online supermarket and better serve our customers with a wider selection of products as well as faster deliveries. By allowing us to flexibly meet fluctuating demand, better handle a wider product mix, and mitigate against widespread labour shortages, it will enable us to not only adapt and grow but, through better services, drive actual change.”

Trends indicate that online grocery shopping will continue to grow due to the pandemic having led to stay-at-home living, an increased interest in healthy foods, and cooking from scratch. Combined with a general interest in brand authenticity and local producers, there is a growing need for online platforms that can connect a wider range of customers and a better selection of products.

By implementing Geek+’s smart robotics, MyEnso will have an intelligent and scalable way to meet expectations for faster order fulfilment and a more diverse product offering.

Geek+ applies robotics and AI technologies for warehouses and supply chain management. It has 300 global customers and has deployed more than 10,000 robots worldwide. Founded in 2015, Geek+ has over 800 employees and is headquartered in Beijing, with offices in Germany, UK, USA, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

MyEnso is a pure FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) platform founded in 2016 which operates its own online marketplace for food with 20,000 products. The online marketplace is a one-stop-shop that aims to offer a wide variety of consumer products, including well-known brands, local producers and exclusive brands. Today, the company provides a direct link between 1000 food sellers and shoppers all over Germany.