Exotec Unveils Next-Gen Skypod System to Revolutionize Warehouse Automation
Exotec®, a global leader in warehouse robotics, has officially announced the commercial launch of the Next Generation Skypod® system. This advanced version brings enhanced performance, improved storage density, and cutting-edge software capabilities, setting a new benchmark in warehouse automation.
The latest iteration of the Skypod system introduces multiple design enhancements aimed at maximizing efficiency and adaptability within warehouse operations. These innovations include a more compact and agile Skypod robot, an advanced workstation that supports robot-to-robot picking, a high-throughput Exchanger, and an optimized storage configuration. Collectively, these upgrades result in a 50% increase in throughput at a single workstation while boosting storage density by up to 30% compared to its predecessor.
A Comprehensive Warehouse Automation Solution
One of the most significant advantages of the Next Generation Skypod system is its ability to handle both each and case picking. This capability positions Exotec as a leading provider of flexible automation solutions that cater to the increasingly complex demands of multichannel fulfillment. By integrating various logistics functions within a single system, Exotec eliminates the need for external subsystems and additional equipment, thereby streamlining warehouse operations and reducing the overall system footprint.
Traditionally, warehouse automation systems rely on multiple interconnected technologies, such as conveyors, sorters, external storage, and separate packing stations, to manage order fulfillment. The Next Generation Skypod system, however, consolidates these processes into a single, cohesive solution. This integration enables businesses to optimize their workflows, enhance operational efficiency, and significantly lower infrastructure costs.
Key Features and Benefits of the Next Generation Skypod
The Next Generation Skypod system introduces a range of new features designed to address the evolving needs of modern warehouses. These innovations include:
1. Integrated Buffering System
One of the core enhancements of the Next Generation Skypod system is its ability to handle order buffering within the system itself. After orders are prepared at the workstation, they are automatically stored within the racks until they are ready for outbound processing or further consolidation. This feature reduces the need for external staging areas and separate buffer systems, allowing warehouses to make better use of available space and improve operational efficiency.
By automating the buffering process, Exotec ensures that completed and semi-completed orders remain securely stored until the precise moment they are needed. This capability helps minimize manual intervention, streamline order fulfillment, and improve overall workflow coordination.
2. Perfect Sequencing for Outbound Operations
Another standout feature of the Next Generation Skypod system is its ability to perform perfect sequencing for outbound shipments. Using its fleet of robots and the high-throughput Exchanger, the system groups and organizes orders in a specific sequence before routing them for outbound processing. This sequencing functionality ensures that orders are loaded onto pallets, containers, or trucks in the exact order required based on delivery routes, store planograms, or other unloading criteria.
By automating outbound sequencing, Exotec eliminates the need for external sorting equipment, reducing reliance on additional hardware and further optimizing warehouse operations. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses that handle high-volume shipments and require precise order coordination to minimize delivery time and transportation costs.
3. Seamless Pick-and-Pack Functionality
The Next Generation Skypod system integrates pick-and-pack functionality directly into the picking process. Traditionally, order picking and packing are separate tasks requiring additional manual labor and dedicated packing stations. Exotec’s innovative approach enables operators to pick items directly into fulfillment containers, eliminating the need for downstream manual packing operations.
This feature is particularly advantageous when combined with right-size packaging solutions. By integrating Exotec’s system with automated packaging technologies, businesses can ensure that orders are packed into appropriately sized containers, minimizing excess packaging materials and reducing last-mile delivery costs.
A Vision for the Future of Warehouse Robotics
Exotec’s CEO and co-founder, Romain Moulin, emphasized the transformative potential of the Next Generation Skypod system, stating, “When designing the Next Generation Skypod, our goal was to create a solution that would set the industry standard of operational excellence and elegance for the next decade and beyond. We’re already seeing our customers reimagine their entire supply chain around the transformative capabilities of this innovation, from combining case and each picking operations to leveraging outbound sequencing to improve transportation costs. Witnessing this level of impact has been incredibly rewarding.”
Exotec has developed the Next Generation Skypod system in response to growing market demands and direct feedback from its customers. As warehouse operations become increasingly complex, businesses require automation solutions that can address a broader range of processes within their facilities. To meet these evolving needs, Exotec has designed a system that seamlessly integrates with existing warehouse infrastructures while offering enhanced flexibility and scalability.
Global Adoption and Market Impact
Over the past two years, Exotec has been deploying the Next Generation Skypod system in stealth mode, working closely with key customers to refine its features and capabilities. During this period, the company has successfully secured more than 20 major projects worldwide, totaling approximately $400 million in sales. High-profile customers such as Oxford Industries (which owns brands like Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, and Southern Tide), Grainger, and E.Leclerc have already implemented the system to strengthen their supply chain operations.
One notable example of the system’s impact comes from E.Leclerc Seclin, where the Next Generation Skypod has significantly improved order fulfillment efficiency. Maxence Maurice, CEO of E.Leclerc Seclin, highlighted the benefits of the system, stating, “We chose Exotec for its storage density and its operational flexibility. Robotic advancements have enabled us to set up a larger buffer area for prepared orders within the system. Previously, I estimated that the customer journey, from arriving at the drive to leaving with their groceries, took between 10 and 15 minutes. Today, with the Exotec solution, it takes less than 5 minutes.”
This dramatic reduction in processing time demonstrates the real-world impact of Exotec’s innovations and underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing warehouse efficiency through cutting-edge robotics.
The Future of Warehouse Automation
As e-commerce and omnichannel retail continue to grow, the demand for highly adaptable and efficient warehouse automation solutions will only increase. The Next Generation Skypod system represents a significant step forward in meeting these demands by offering a scalable, high-performance solution capable of addressing the complexities of modern logistics.
With its innovative design, seamless integration of multiple warehouse processes, and proven success in real-world deployments, Exotec is well-positioned to drive the next wave of advancements in warehouse robotics. The company’s commitment to continuous improvement and customer-driven innovation ensures that its solutions will remain at the forefront of the industry for years to come.
