What's Happening?
Veloq, an AI-powered grocery automation company within the Rohlik Group, has launched what is described as the world's most advanced AI-driven grocery fulfillment center in Vienna, Austria. This launch is part of a global partnership with AutoStore, a leader
in intelligent order fulfillment technology. The Vienna facility is the first AutoStore grid to integrate real-time expedition, which automatically sorts picked orders by delivery route, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. The center can handle up to 20,000 SKUs, including fresh produce, bakery, and pharmacy items, and promises delivery routing in under 30 minutes. Veloq plans to deploy AutoStore technology globally, offering a complete end-to-end grocery automation solution that integrates software, hardware, and operational intelligence.
Why It's Important?
The partnership between Veloq and AutoStore signifies a significant advancement in grocery automation, addressing challenges such as labor shortages, volatile supply chains, and rising costs. By enhancing fulfillment efficiency and speed, this collaboration could set a new standard in the grocery industry, particularly in markets like North America where similar pressures exist. The integration of AI-driven solutions in grocery fulfillment could lead to improved customer experiences and operational efficiencies, potentially transforming the sector's approach to meeting consumer demands for faster and more reliable service.
What's Next?
Veloq and AutoStore plan to expand their model globally, with a focus on markets like North America. The Vienna site serves as a prototype for future high-performance fulfillment centers. As the demand for same-day delivery and efficient grocery fulfillment grows, the partnership aims to provide scalable solutions that can be adapted to various market needs. This expansion could influence other retailers to adopt similar technologies, further driving innovation in the grocery sector.
