In context
In late 2023, logistics providers were increasingly turning to autonomous robots and AI-driven digital twins to optimize warehouse operations amid labor shortages and rising e-commerce demand. This deployment marked a significant step in bringing such technology to Eastern Europe.
What was reported
Dexory, a London-based logistics startup, announced the expansion of its partnership with Maersk into a Maersk and iB Cargo managed distribution centre in Bucharest, Romania. The site, serving a major global home furnishing brand, is the first Dexory deployment outside the UK and part of its European expansion.
The warehouse, which opened in September 2021 at 76,000 sq m and expanded to 100,000 sq m within two years, now operates Dexory's NEO robots daily. These autonomous robots scan over 100,000 pallet locations, increasing throughput from 150 locations per hour to 10,000 locations per hour. They navigate wide, narrow, and hard-to-reach aisles, working alongside staff 24/7.
Dexory's solution combines 12-metre-tall autonomous robots with AI-powered digital twin software, providing real-time visibility into inventory, occupancy, and stock movement. The system highlights discrepancies with other warehouse systems and offers analytics to address bottlenecks, improve put-away and picking, and enable better forecasting and workforce management.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Maersk and iB Cargo and bring the power of real-time data and insights to this impressive site in Romania.” — Andrei Danescu, CEO and co-founder of Dexory
Why it mattered
This deployment demonstrated the scalability of autonomous mobile robots and digital twin technology in complex logistics environments, showing how real-time data can drive efficiency and sustainability in warehouse operations across Europe.
Source: Robotics & Automation News (roboticsandautomationnews.com) · Published 2023-11-15 · “Maersk and iB Cargo install Dexory’s robotics and AI technology in Bucharest distribution centre”