GXO forges ahead in brave new world of robotics

GXO Logistics is deploying more robotics innovation and technology to support customer start-ups and the holiday peak season than in any other quarter in its history, the logistics firm announced this week.

By the end of the year, GXO aims to have around 7,600 pieces of technology operational in customer sites around the globe, including collaborative robots (cobots), robots, vision scanners, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and goods-to-person robots – an increase of more than 50% on the previous year.

Sandeep Sakharkar, GXO chief information officer, said: “GXO is deploying more automation and robotics than ever because the benefits they deliver are game-changing for our customers and our team members.

“The technology we’re deploying makes warehouse operations safer, more productive, more efficient and, in a time of high inflation, more cost-effective while upskilling the workforce.”

GXO said its focus on continuous improvement through the application of new technologies is helping the company gain market share and strengthen its partnerships with many of the world’s leading brands.

In a statement it added: “Technology plays a significant role in making the work experience more rewarding for team members, enabling professional advancement, higher satisfaction and improved talent retention.

“Cobots, goods-to-person robots and wearable scanners also ease the physical demands of work while reducing training time, in some cases by 80 percent."

GXO is also using technology ranging from machines that reduce waste by tailoring cardboard packaging to sophisticated software that optimizes inventory, in a bid to help customers achieve their environmental goals.

Sakharkar said the technology will change the nature of the world’s economy. “As growth in the working-age population declines and the capabilities and cost-effectiveness of automation rapidly improve, the roboconomy will continue to accelerate,” he explained.

“Across our business, we’re working with more and more customers to apply technology that enables greater precision in inventory management and improves speed and accuracy in order fulfilment because we see the potential to realize substantial cost-savings through automation and gain a competitive edge through the customization GXO provides.”

The logistics company claims that with more than 30% of its revenue from automated sites, versus 5% for the industry, it is leading the way in providing customized, innovative automated warehouse solutions.

As part of this drive to stay ahead of the competition GXO said it has recently partnered with Sente Foundry, a Chicago-based venture capital and innovation connector, to search worldwide for innovative technology start-ups and signed an exclusive multi-year agreement with 6 River Systems to expand its supply of collaborative robots.