Colruyt Group's Collect&Go online grocery service continues automation push with Exotec

Exotec has been selected by Collect&Go, Colruyt Group's online grocery service, to further automate one of its warehouses in Londerzeel, Belgium.

The installation of Exotec’s next generation of Skypod system will aid the Belgian firm with the ongoing optimisation of its online grocery picking process.

Collect&Go has more than 200 collection points throughout Belgium, reaching more than half of the country’s households. The Collect&Go service has been operating for 25 years.

Tom Malfroid, Supply Chain Manager at Collect&Go, says: “We are constantly focusing on innovation, and it goes without saying that we’re always looking to optimise our processes.”

“Colruyt currently picks in two different ways - both in our low-price stores and in our two e-commerce distribution centres in Londerzeel and Erpe-Mere. Today, we’re proud to announce the installation of Exotec's Next Generation Skypod system in Londerzeel to further automate our picking process.”

“Soon, dozens of Skypods will be operating in the Londerzeel distribution centre; warehouse robots working in hand-in-hand to support employees in picking groceries. When we adopt an innovation like this, we believe it’s important that humans and machines are working collaboratively. We want to ease the workload of our employees to ensure that they can focus on the tasks that make a difference. With the adoption of Exotec’s next generation of Skypod system, this combination will come together beautifully.”

“With the introduction of the next generation of Skypod, Colruyt expects productivity to increase by 35%, and we specifically chose Exotec because of their reputation for reliability, innovative technology, and scalability."

Wim Vermeir, Senior Sales Executive at Exotec, adds: "We are proud to contribute to Collect&Go's automation journey. Our next generation of Skypod system is designed to address the challenges of retailers like Colruyt Group in an efficient and scalable way."

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Automation will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in March, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.