Robots go live at Footasylum as retailer cuts ribbon to deploy first AutoStore automation solution
Footasylum has deployed the first R5+ robot in its supply chain implementation of an AutoStore system with THG Fulfil as principal contractor.
In a LinkedIn post, Tom Killeen, COO at THG Ingenuity, said: "Robots are live at Footasylum. Proud moment for James McGhee (Operations Director at Footasylum) and his team cutting the ribbon deploying the first R5+ robot. Amazing effort from everyone at Footasylum and THG Fulfil."
Earlier this year, Footasylum CEO Hannah Mercer said: “As we continue to grow, we are committed to investing in the infrastructure that will support the business today and long into the future. Our fulfilment operation is a critical part of that, and this project represents one of the most significant investments we have made in the business in recent times.”
THG is also a retailer, fulfilment partner and user of AutoStore systems and is now re-purposing its experience in this space to implement systems as an integrator.
The project will see 85 AutoStore R5 robots deployed across more than 96,000 bin locations, with 24 carousel ports and 100% of Footasylum’s live SKU range stored within the AutoStore grid. The system will run on THG Fulfil’s proprietary SaaS infrastructure, including its WCS.
Mercer added: “Working closely with THG Fulfil, we have designed a solution tailored to the specific demands of our operation and the increasing breadth of our offer. As our product range expands and the business evolves, it is vital that the infrastructure underpinning it keeps pace."
“This investment gives us a materially more advanced fulfilment platform - one that helps us manage greater complexity, improve the flow of products through the operation and lay the groundwork for the next stage of Footasylum‘s development, all while continuing to deliver for our customers.”
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.
