Autonomous technology developer Vecna Robotics has partnered with supply chain operator GEODIS to equip a GEODIS distribution center in Dallas, Texas with autonomous platforms.

The distribution center in Dallas is currently using Vecna robots and workflow technology to automate the horizontal transport of inbound pallets from a staging area to put-away storage within the 150,000 square foot distribution center. The pallets were previously picked up, delivered and put away using human labor and manual trucks.

“The autonomous warehouse is a critical differentiator, and Vecna is thrilled to partner with GEODIS so they can offer world-class, autonomous logistics services to customers,” says Matthew Cherewka, business development and solutions design manager for Vecna Robotics.

“Our combined expertise in cutting-edge robotics and supply chain solutions allows this partnership to deliver significant advances in the supply chain industry. We look forward to continuing to grow together.”

Driven by Vecna's autonomous technology and pivot.al orchestration system, two self-driving pallet jacks are currently picking up pallets and independently delivering them to a GEODIS team member. Once the team member has the pallets, they use a manual forklift to put them away in the appropriate rack.

Thanks to the reduction in distance traveled by each operator, this pilot, thus far, is expected to lead to a 33 percent increase in productivity.

“Innovation and introducing new technology into our operations is a strategic focus area at GEODIS,” says Kevin Stock, senior vice president of engineering at GEODIS.

“Vecna's offering allows us to enhance the work experience for our teammates by placing their work where they need it to operate more efficiently. Vecna's technology and orchestration systems have proved very useful in this operation and we look forward to expanding our partnership.”

According to Vecna, Pivot.ai optimizes and organizes the daily robot work orders. The orchestration system also assigns the work to the appropriate vehicle based on priority, location, and availability.

Vecna notes that its software uses machine learning algorithms and tracks the vehicles to provide data-driven insight. Over time, the software also creates a continuous improvement cycle.