Decathlon Boosts Warehouse Output with Exotec Robots
Why this is here: Decathlon’s UK warehouse saw a decrease in order-picking related incidents from one in 5,000 to one in 10,000, demonstrating a potential safety benefit alongside increased productivity from the new robotic system.
Decathlon, the world’s largest sporting goods retailer, reports productivity gains at seven European warehouses using robots from Exotec. The company automated sorting and packing with Exotec’s wheeled Skypod robots. Decathlon’s Portugal warehouse doubled order preparation capacity, from 57,000 to 114,000 orders.
Exotec’s CEO said the automation reduces warehouse size while increasing order output. The system utilizes robots that can move and retrieve items from storage bins stacked up to 46 feet high.
Decathlon saw pickers’ walking distance at its UK logistics site decrease from over six miles to under one mile daily. Workplace incidents related to order picking also fell, from one in 5,000 to one in 10,000. One French warehouse nearly doubled the number of stores it can replenish, increasing from 37 to 73.