Ocado Intelligent Automation hits MODEX with launch of AI powered Ocado IQ software suite

Today at MODEX, Ocado Intelligent Automation has released Ocado IQ cloud-based software with new capabilities.

These are: Two pick modes run concurrently across the warehouse, configured aisle by aisle based on density, velocity, and layout; Smart Bypass activates direct-to-pick routing, eliminating meet-up points and badge-in delays for fast operations; One system orchestrates every workflow - picking, tasking, routing, and error resolution, through a single interface.

The company claims that operators benefit from three times improvement in picking productivity, with ROI in as few as six months.

“Most software systems lock you into a single pick mode for every aisle in your warehouse. What elevates the Ocado IQ software suite is its two concurrent pick modes that free operators from the one-size-fits-all pick strategies of the past,” says Leah Holding, President, Ocado Group North America. “Ocado IQ turns picking inefficiency into high performance execution for every item, every aisle, and every associate.”

Ocado IQ acts as the orchestrator of the entire warehouse operation, coordinating tasks, teams, tools, and technologies through a single interface. The software applies smart orchestration logic across every connected touchpoint, giving operations floor wide visibility and faster fulfillment from receiving and putaway through picking, packing, and outbound.

Ocado IQ powers Chuck and Porter autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) from OIA, as well as the IQ app, to keep fulfillment operations in sync across automated and manual workflows.

“When picking is inefficient, your entire operation feels it. Too many steps, manual workarounds, and course corrections drain the operation,” says Holding. “Ocado IQ keeps the entire operation in sync, from bots to manual workflows and everything in between, resolving the persistent operational gaps that limit throughput and inflate labour costs.”

Bots can be added or removed quickly to match seasonal demand without rework or code changes. The software scales across new work areas and sites as operational needs evolve. With more than 1,000 guided configurations and continuous rolling software updates, operations remain current and capable without disruption, those involved claim.

“When demand spikes, operations face a limited set of options: overtime, temporary staff, or asking already stretched teams to absorb more. As a warehouse grows and its technology evolves, Ocado IQ is already built to flex with it,” Holding concludes.

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.