Zalando preps roll-out of 50 AI powered Nomagic robots across European fulfilment centres

Zalando is deploying up to 50 AI driven Nomagic robots across its European fulfilment network. The units, named Richard, specialise in item level picking, scanning, and induction into automated pocket sorters.

Using Nomagic’s AI and computer vision, the robots recognise materials and shapes to adjust their grip in real-time. By continuously learning and adapting to shifting inventory, the technology will play a key role in managing the vast, high rotation assortment of fashion and lifestyle products within Zalando’s fulfilment centres.

“The testing phase with Nomagic proved that their robotics are an excellent fit for Zalando's logistics centres. Following the quick and successful deployment of the first ten units, we have decided to scale our partnership, gradually rolling out more robots as our network evolves,” says Marcus Daute, Vice President Logistics Network at Zalando.

“The sheer scale of our operations demands smart automation that works with our people, not alongside them. By delegating simple processes to AI powered robots, we achieve the operational excellence our customers and business partners expect while supporting employees’ growth.”

Shoeboxes have historically been one of the most challenging items to automate in fashion logistics; their loose lids often detach when handled by standard robotic arms. To overcome this, the Shoebox Picker utilises a specialised software-hardware synergy: computer vision is guiding the physical hardware.

This allows the robot to "recognise" the specific product type and its orientation in real-time, automatically adjusting its grip type and picking technique to suit each individual item and its orientation. 

The robots are also equipped with custom engineered grippers that secure the box from two sides, ensuring the lid remains intact during transit.

“Zalando has a great team we collaborate with, both on a project management level and in the warehouses. We highly value our partnership, their trust and especially their openness to implement the latest automation technology like the new Shoebox Picker,” says Kacper Nowicki, CEO and Co-Founder at Nomagic.

“By combining the intelligence of AI with a physical system, it solves real-life physical challenges and turns one of the industry's biggest bottlenecks into a streamlined, automated process. We are looking forward to continuing this journey with Zalando.”

Following a pilot project that achieved 100,000 picks per day, the first of the 50 units are now in use in Germany (Lahr, Moenchengladbach) and Italy (Verona). Additional robots will be deployed across Zalando’s key logistics hubs in the Netherlands (Rotterdam), Sweden (Stockholm), France (Paris) and its newest fulfilment centre in Giessen (Germany), which is scheduled for its operational ramp up later this year.

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Supply chain automation will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.