Exotec & Auchan Luxembourg's Skypod Warehouse Revolution
Auchan Retail Luxembourg has made the move to improve its warehouse efficiency by introducing Exotec's innovative Skypod robotic system.
By adopting this cutting-edge technology, Auchan becomes the first retailer in Luxembourg to integrate Exotec's automation into its warehouse in Dudelange.
The retailer aims to strengthen its market position in Luxembourg and the implementation of the Skypod system in 2023 is a crucial step toward maintaining that edge.
In recent years, retailers across the globe have been heavily investing in automated systems to streamline their operations.
The trend is expected to grow, with reports from Grand View Research predicting that the global market for warehouse automation could reach an astonishing US$51.12bn by 2030.
Auchan is clearly positioning itself at the forefront of this trend, ensuring faster, more efficient service to meet the demands of today’s e-commerce-driven world.
Streamlining warehouse operations
The Skypod system at Auchan’s Dudelange warehouse features 37 robots that work autonomously, significantly easing the workload on warehouse staff.
These robots can navigate metres-high racks in all directions, efficiently retrieving products from 15,300 bins. Once the products are collected, the robots deliver them to one of three dedicated picking stations, where the final order is assembled and ready for dispatch.
Rémy Malchirand, EVP Sales Western Europe at Exotec, highlights the system’s positive impact on both productivity and employee well-being.
He states: “By automating warehouse activities, Auchan has significantly increased the quality and reliability of the order picking process, saving employees from a lot of walking and lifting and significantly improving working conditions.”
This "human-first philosophy" prioritises making warehouse work more comfortable and safe for employees, creating a better balance between technology and workforce well-being.
The result? A streamlined system that can process up to 915 orders per hour, significantly improving the warehouse's throughput.
In today’s fast-paced e-commerce environment, where customers expect delivery within 24 hours, such efficiency is vital.
Annually, the Dudelange warehouse prepares around 160,000 orders, which are delivered via multiple distribution points across Luxembourg. For those living nearby, the convenience is unbeatable as orders can be ready for pick-up just ten minutes after they are placed.
Improving efficiency and space utilisation
Exotec's Skypod robots are designed with impressive capabilities, including the ability to climb shelves up to twelve metres high. This clever use of vertical space means that even more products can be stored in a smaller footprint.
The system occupies just 749 square metres of floor space, a dramatic reduction from the 2,200 square metres required by the previous system.
Nicolas Gueuzurian, Marketing and E-Commerce Director at Auchan Retail Luxembourg, is pleased with the results.
“After a month and a half transition period, the number of products available in the Auchan Drive has increased by 17%, bringing the total to more than 13,000, while further improving the shopping experience for our customers,” he says.
“Thanks to this functional building block, we were able to open two new branches in September, thus serving the Luxembourg territory even better.”
The Skypod system is not only about space-saving; it is also a means to future-proof Auchan’s operations. With the growing demand for faster, more reliable service in the retail space, particularly in the age of e-commerce, this investment helps Auchan stay ahead of the curve.
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