Step by step, Belgian logistics service provider ODTH is working to automate its warehouse in Rumst. The first phase of the installation of a new pallet shuttle system has now been completed, resulting in significantly higher storage density. Movu Robotics supplied the shuttle system and warehouse execution software.
The solution combines the Movu atlas shuttle system with the first large-scale roll-out of Movu OPS, the warehouse execution software platform developed specifically to control the Movu atlas shuttles. The software was fully developed in-house by Movu's R&D team and seamlessly integrated with ODTH's SAP ERP system. In a live SAP environment, this combination ensures dynamic pallet routing, intelligent buffer control and streamlined control of the shuttle and transport systems. The phased implementation ensures continuous operational availability, while automation capacity is expanded step by step.
With this project, Movu Robotics takes a concrete step in its mission to make automation accessible and scalable. "This project represents a milestone not only for ODTH, but also for Movu Robotics," said Christophe Coulongeat, CEO of Movu Robotics. "It is the first time that our Movu OPS software fully controls the Movu atlas pallet shuttle, from development to integration. The result is a seamlessly integrated solution: fast, flexible and intelligent. This proves that modular and accessible automation is the future of warehouse management."
First phase
Upon completion of the project, the Rumst site will have more than 31,000 pallet spaces spread over 14,000 square metres of warehouse space. Twenty autonomous Movu atlas shuttles will operate over four vertical levels, controlled by five high-speed lifts. With five inbound and seven outbound stations, the system can handle up to 6,000 pallet movements per day without compromising the 24/7 service to ODTH's customers. With the completion of phase 1, the foundation has been laid for the next phases. The rollout of phases 2 and 3 will be completed in September, with the final phase in the first quarter of 2026.
One of the unique aspects of this project is its smart, sustainable design. Instead of new construction, ODTH and Movu Robotics decided to reuse the existing racking infrastructure. This choice not only led to lower investment costs, but also avoided more than 680 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. The flexibility of the system is also remarkable. It effortlessly supports both Europallets and industrial pallets, ranging from 1,200 mm wide to 2,400 mm high. This allows ODTH to serve a diverse customer base with varying logistics needs.
Smart automation
With a growing number of items, strict service level agreements and limited space at its site in Rumst, ODTH was looking for a solution that increased storage density while minimising internal transport and energy consumption. By implementing Movu atlas in a six-phase modular approach, ODTH was able to maintain operational continuity while gradually expanding system capacity and intelligence. Each phase builds on the previous one, ensuring a smooth, risk-free scale-up.
"We chose Movu Robotics because they could offer a scalable, intelligent solution that perfectly matched the specific constraints of our site," says Wim Van Leuven, project manager at ODTH. "The reuse of our existing infrastructure allowed us to reduce installation costs and ecological impact while delivering real added value from day one. The entire project is being rolled out in an active warehouse, and so far without any impact on our customers. That shows the strength and flexibility of the collaboration between Movu and ODTH."
Software intelligence
The true innovation lies in Movu OPS, Movu's own WES platform that acts as the digital brain of the system. Thanks to native integration with SAP ERP via standardised APIs, the software enables, among other things, the following:
- Smooth communication with Movu Conveyor Control (MCC) and Movu Tower;
- real-time allocation of shuttles and optimisation of lift routes;
- Supporting chaotic storage logic for maximum flexibility;
- Configuration of storage strategies and smart buffering outside peak hours;
- A modern user interface for simplified decision-making and monitoring.
This integration allows ODTH to automate the logistics process end-to-end, based on real-time warehouse data and smart decision rules, a crucial capability in a high rotation and constant pressure environment. "The integration of Movu OPS into an SAP environment takes warehouse control to a new level," said Thomas De Rudder, integration manager at Movu Robotics. "It allows ODTH to control a complex shuttle system with maximum reactivity and without manual intervention."
Want to know more about digitalisation, smart warehousing and automation & robotisation? Then come to ICT&Logistics and Logistica Next on 4-6 November 2025 at Jaarbeurs, Utrecht. Register for free here.
