Superdry in major robot implementation at Burton DC

Superdry has deployed 46 Hikrobots in its Burton-on-Trent distribution centre after a pilot project involving six of the robots in 2018.

Over 80,000 sq ft of the warehouse, which is operated by Clipper Logistics, is being set out with 1,000 transportable pick-wall modules and 12 pick-to-light stations to facilitate the adoption of the robots. The site will also feature QR codes on the floor for the robots to follow.

The expanded operation aims to handle the entire picking and put away of womenswear with plans to introduce 60 more robots for menswear. “The adoption of robotics has come about through a requirement to cut operating costs and to reduce our reliance on labour,” says Gordon Knox, Director of Logistics at Superdry.

“The headcount we needed to attract during peak periods was resulting in us having to adjust our pay structure beyond what we ideally wanted to pay. To increase outbound capacity, it wasn’t just a matter of hiring 10 more pickers, it was a case of ramping up other activities, such as replenishment, to support those additional pickers.”

“The more we looked at the capability and flexibility of robotic systems the more we could see how they could be used within our operations,” Knox adds.

“So we decided to test the concept. As the system involved putting stock away and picking at various velocities and volumes, it was a great test-bed for multiple applications of the system. We found that inventory accuracy was significantly improved and the tests far exceeded our expectations on throughput and productivity.”