Inside Auchan Retail’s Skypod Warehouse Revolution

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Inside Auchan Retail’s Skypod Warehouse Revolution
Discover how Auchan Retail Luxembourg has revolutionised its Dudelange warehouse by implementing Exotec’s Skypod system in its omni-channel strategy

Auchan Retail Luxembourg has embraced the latest in warehouse automation with the integration of Exotec’s Skypod robotic system at its Dudelange facility, forming a key part of its omnichannel sales strategy. The move marks a significant step towards enhancing logistics efficiency and cements Auchan's position as an industry leader in the retail sector. Back in October, I was lucky enough to be invited to explore the facility.

During the visit, I discovered Auchan is the first retailer in Luxembourg to deploy Exotec’s system. The implementation, completed in 2023, aligns with the global trend of warehouse automation, a market projected to reach US$51.1bn by 2030, according to Grand View Research. The company’s investment in automation signals its readiness to meet the increasing demands of modern e-commerce, which prioritises speed, precision and flexibility.

Auchan’s Dudelange warehouse now houses 37 Skypod robots designed to optimise order fulfilment. These robots autonomously retrieve products from racks up to 12 metres high, navigating through 15,300 storage bins to deliver items directly to picking stations. This efficiency ensures customers can receive their orders within tight timeframes, sometimes as quickly as 10 minutes for local pick-ups, addressing the high expectations of today’s omnichannel shoppers.

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The Skypod system embodies a "human-first philosophy," blending cutting-edge robotics with employee wellbeing. This new, streamlined process reduces the physical strain on staff, allowing them to focus on assembling orders without extensive walking or heavy lifting.

While touring the warehouse, I noticed one standout feature: efficient use of space. Unlike the warehouse’s previous set-up, which spanned 2,200 square metres, the Skypod system occupies just 749 square metres. This compact layout maximises vertical storage, allowing more products to be housed without requiring additional floor space.

The Skypod system is a crucial element in Auchan’s strategy to maintain agility in its distribution systems while optimising operations. The integration breaks down organisational silos, enhancing end-to-end planning and creating a unified inventory view that supports cross-channel efficiency. These capabilities allow Auchan to better serve its customers, whether through physical stores or online platforms.

As e-commerce continues to grow, the importance of responsive supply chain planning and automation is becoming increasingly evident. By embracing such technologies, Auchan is ensuring its operations remain resilient and adaptable to future challenges in the retail landscape. As Nicolas Gueuzurian, Marketing and E-Commerce Director at Auchan Retail Luxembourg, affirms: “Thanks to this functional building block, we were able to open two new branches in September, thus serving the Luxembourg territory even better.”

I sat down with Nicolas to further discuss the site’s transformation. “The point of automation was to help us be much faster; clients need more and more fast,” he explained. “They want everything right now, so everything is moving quite fast.” 

I also discussed the technology bringing Auchan’s operations to life with Sebastien Beyaert, Exotec’s Deployment Director for Western Europe. He expressed: “I’m very happy to work with such a famous brand as Auchan. We brought their knowledge of the retail business together with our knowledge of automation.” 


Click HERE to discover the full interview and explore the Luxembourg warehouse.


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