Zalando has acquired a minority stake in Magazino, a German start-up developing self-driving robots for warehouses and distribution centres.
Magazino received a 20-million-euro investment last week from Zalando, Fiege Logistik(a previous customer of Magazino) and technology company Körber. Web giant Zalando hopes to optimise its logistics network with the investment.
Magazino is the company behind the robot TORU. This robot works alongside distribution centre staff. Through its link to a wms, it drives to the right racks. The robot recognises products with a laser and camera system and is then able to pick items up to three kilos off the shelf independently. The robot's internal storage area provides space for multiple products. This allows the robot to carry multiple items or orders during its journey through the warehouse.
The robot then transports the items towards the packing tables. Sensors ensure that the robot recognises obstacles on the road, including passing workers. This makes reflectors or markings on the floor unnecessary.
For Zalando, the robot will be able to transport shoe boxes and garments, David Schroeder, Senior Vice President Convenience at Zalando, said: "Our investment in Magazino gives us access to an industry-leading technology that is highly compatible with our existing infrastructure and can be flexibly deployed to support employees in our distribution centres."
