Otto Group boosts supply chain operations via NVIDIA and Reply robotics partnership

Otto Group, a digital retail and services group, is partnering with NVIDIA and Reply as it looks to improve supply chain operations through robotics.

The initiative will see a network wide deployment of a Robotic Coordination Layer, powered by NVIDIA Omniverse libraries, and Isaac Sim, across a multitude of Otto Group’s 120 logistics locations.

This connects robot fleets in the warehouse to a digital twin which displays the real-time locations and movements of all robots. Developed by Reply, this solution uses reality capture techniques and post-processing from sensors and cameras mounted on Boston Dynamics' Spot robot as it moves through the warehouse.

Once established, the digital twin enables virtual reconfiguration of warehouse areas for process optimisation and simulations to support peak management. Concurrently, the Robotic Coordination Layer integrates with robotic fleet management tools and the WMS to coordinate and communicate with various robotic fleets, all visualised and managed within the digital twin.

Kay Schiebur, Member of the Executive Board, Services, Otto Group, says: "More than three years ago we embarked on a journey to deploy AI and robotics in the field of logistics. Our experiences to date have shown the huge potential for improving efficiency and service.”

“With NVIDIA and Reply, we are now ready to take intelligent automation to the next level. This partnership will provide the fundamental structure - a truly innovative way for our robots to communicate - allowing us to quickly scale up robotic solutions in our complex operations.”

Azita Martin, Vice President and General Manager Retail & Consumer Products and Goods at NVIDIA, says: "Physical AI is redefining what’s possible in supply chain, transforming warehouses from static facilities into dynamic, responsive systems that can adapt in real-time.”

“Leveraging NVIDIA RTX Pro 6000 and NVIDIA Omniverse on GCP, together with Isaac Sim, Otto Group is training a fleet of robots using physics-based simulation, creating a scalable blueprint for the future of logistics, where fleets of robots and intelligent systems collaborate seamlessly to boost efficiency and drive agility.”

“Creating a digital twin is more than just mapping a space – it’s about enabling intelligent orchestration at scale,” says Kai Uwe Ernst, Executive Partner at Reply. “By combining NVIDIA’s cutting-edge technologies with our expertise in AI and robotics, we’re laying the foundation for a new standard in robotic coordination. This system will allow different robotic fleets to communicate and collaborate seamlessly, unlocking new levels of efficiency and adaptability in logistics operations.”

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