Körber Business Area Supply Chain and Geekplus Technology Co. today celebrated three years of strategic partnership. The companies said the anniversary is “an important milestone in Körber's journey to provide businesses worldwide with efficient, scalable, and sustainable end-to-end logistics solutions.”
The partners said they have successfully deployed thousands of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in 30 implementations in eight regions. Körber and Geek+ claimed that their joint customers have more than doubled productivity, improved accuracy up to 99.99%, and reduced distances walked by warehouse associates by up to 82%.
Customers throughout Europe, America, and Asia-Pacific are currently relying on Geek+'s expertise in AMR technology combined with Körber’s capabilities in consulting, conceptualization, integration, and support. The companies also said that by increasing picking accuracy, reducing labor costs, and improving productivity and efficiency, robots also help create safer and more ergonomic workplaces.
As a result, employees can avoid tedious and risky tasks, focus on more value-added activities, and enjoy a more collaborative and satisfying work environment, asserted Geek+ and Körber in a release.
Partnership produces results for customers
Geek+ entered its first global partnership with Körber in 2020 and has rapidly expanded its offerings since then. The companies cited the deployment of 30,000 robots they said saved 140,000 tons of carbon emissions and 16 million KwH in energy in 2022.
Together with Geek+’s growing robotics portfolio, Körber said its systems can enhance supply chains, spanning warehouse management, warehouse control, simulation and voice.
One example was the implementation of innovative software and automation at Boxy, a third-party logistics (3PL) startup that claimed to run the largest e-commerce warehouse in Eastern Central Europe.
“Relying on cutting-edge technology provided by Körber, together with partners like Geek+, has helped us to maintain an efficient flow of goods, enhanced shipping performance, and reliability in light of the steady growing pressure of customer demands,” stated András Táncsics, CEO of Boxy.
“We truly believe that these types of automation and software solutions are the future of the industry and our competitive edge on the market, he added. “Therefore, we keep a close eye on these technologies together with our partners and always try to be in the forefront of innovation.”
In addition, Körber and Geek+ worked with global logistics service provider DB Schenker in what they said was one of the largest AMR deployments in Eastern Europe. In Australia, the companies have collaborated with leading Australian retailers such as Officeworks.
In North America, S&S Activewear will rely on a high-velocity picking system from Geek+ and Körber’s design, deployment, and support expertise. The wholesale distributor of apparel and accessories said it hopes to meet evolving demand and optimize fulfillment.
Körber and Geek+ seek to solve supply chain complexity
“The supply chain has undergone tremendous changes in recent years, with an ever-increasing demand for efficiency and productivity while continually requiring more sustainable practices,” said Lit Fung, vice president and managing director of overseas business at Geek+.
“We need innovative solutions to answer new challenges to be cost-efficient and competitive while also sustainable,” he said. “Driven by huge developments in AI and machine learning, robots can help by addressing these challenges, at scale.”
Founded in 2015, Geek+ said more than 700 global industry leaders trust its logistics systems. The Beijing-based company has over 1,500 employees, with offices in the U.S., Germany, the U.K., Japan, South Korea, China, and Singapore.
“Particularly in the growing e-commerce segment, robotics continues to be a true game-changer for the logistics landscape to introduce greener, safer, and more ergonomic operations,” noted John Santagate, vice president for robotics at Körber Supply Chain. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with one of the leading global AMR providers, helping companies worldwide optimize their operational success and conquer their supply chain complexities.”
Körber, which has offices in Minneapolis, said it tailors a broad range of proven systems to help manage the supply chain as a competitive advantage. The company added that its portfolio of software, voice, and robotics systems—plus the expertise to tie it all together—can help businesses of any size, strategy, or industry.
Editor's note: Körber's Santagate, Randy Randolph, vice president of channels and partnerships at Geekplus America; and Matthew S. Hardenberg, vice president of distribution at Ariat International Inc., will participate in the keynote panel at the 2024 Robotics Applications Conference online on Oct. 18. Registration is free.
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