The Warehouse of the Future: Robotic Innovation by Exotec
Exotec is revolutionising warehouse automation with the Next Generation Skypod system, a major leap forward in streamlining supply chains and boosting efficiency.
With a redesigned robot, smarter workstations and advanced software, the upgraded system increases throughput by 50% while maximising storage density by 30%. These enhancements help businesses move goods faster, optimise space and cut down on the need for external sorting equipment.
Romain Moulin, Exotec’s CEO and Co-Founder, explains the significance of the upgrade: “When designing the Next Generation Skypod, our goal was to create a solution that would set the industry standard of operational excellence and elegance for the next decade and beyond.
“We’re already seeing our customers reimagine their entire supply chain around the transformative capabilities of this innovation, from combining case and each picking operations to leveraging outbound sequencing to improve transportation costs. Witnessing this level of impact has been incredibly rewarding.”
Smarter logistics, smaller warehouses
Traditional automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) depend on conveyors and external sorting machines, adding complexity and cost to warehouse operations.
Exotec’s Next Generation Skypod, however, integrates multiple logistics functions into a single system. One major advancement is the built-in buffer, which temporarily holds orders within the racks. This not only reduces the space required for outbound shipments but also improves overall warehouse flow.
The system also ensures perfect sequencing, meaning orders are arranged precisely for palletising, container loading or direct shipment—without the need for additional sorting equipment. A new high-throughput exchanger and an advanced robot-to-robot picking station further simplify operations while significantly boosting efficiency.
At the system’s launch event, Supply Chain Digital spoke to Arthur Bellamy, Exotec’s Chief Revenue Officer, who explained why the innovation matters: “The Next Generation Skypod system has been in development for many years and we believe it represents a significant breakthrough in simplicity and performance for goods-to-person systems. It opens up a lot of new opportunities for clients to solve some of their most complex issues in the supply chain.”
A simpler, faster and more flexible system
Authur broke down what makes the new system a game-changer, explaining “the Next Generation Skypod simplifies logistics by eliminating the need for complex equipment like conveyors, dedicated buffers or sorting systems.
“All these functions are now handled within our system by the robots themselves. You gain flexibility, space and money—which adds up to a huge advantage.”
Traditionally, automated storage and retrieval setups require various add-ons, such as sequencers. Now, Exotec has integrated these directly into its robots, eliminating extra equipment while improving efficiency.
One of the most notable upgrades is performance. The picking speed has increased by 50%, with workstations now capable of handling up to 600 lines per hour, compared to the previous 350–400 lines. Storage density has also improved by 30%, allowing businesses to save warehouse space while boosting labour efficiency.
Exotec’s solution is already demonstrating its impact. One example is its deployment at a curbside delivery facility for French grocery retailer E.Leclerc. The system has dramatically cut down customer wait times. As a result, the retailer has been able to increase revenue by 50%, thanks to its ability to handle more customers in the same timeframe.
Maxence Maurice, CEO of E.Leclerc Seclin, highlights the transformation: “We chose Exotec for its storage density and its operational flexibility. Robotic advancements have enabled us to set up a larger buffer area for prepared orders within the system.
"Previously, I estimated that the customer journey, from arriving at the pick-up point to leaving with their groceries, took between 10 and 15 minutes. Today, with the Exotec solution, it takes less than five minutes.”
Inside the futuristic eye of warehouse automation
By standardising and modularising components, Exotec is moving closer to creating what Arthur calls a "warehouse in a box" that meets diverse client needs without requiring bespoke solutions.
“I believe today marks a big step forward in that direction,” Arthur adds.
“We’ve created a warehouse in a box by standardising and modularising our products so we can meet diverse client needs without altering every individual component. It’s about assembling modular bricks that deliver value efficiently.
“With features like integrated buffering, sequencing and simplified packing within the Next Generation Skypod system, we’re moving closer to this vision of streamlined logistics.”
As supply chains become more complex and demand for rapid fulfillment grows, Exotec’s innovation is setting a new industry standard. By combining efficiency, flexibility and automation, the Next Generation Skypod is redefining warehouse operations—and the companies that adopt it are reaping the rewards.
To read the full article in the magazine, click HERE.
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