Microsoft has helped German supply chain company Arvato implement self-improving processes in warehouses using generative artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and cloud computing.

The Moonshot research project was showcased at last week’s Gartner Supply Chain Symposium in Barcelona.

“We launched the Moonshot project with Microsoft in March, aiming for the ambitious goal of creating an autonomous warehouse,” said Paul Brolly, vice president of Arvato (arvato.com). “Our approach involves examining various warehouse processes to automate and enhance them through robotics, digitalisation and AI. The focus isn’t solely on individual processes. In the future, AI could handle the initial overall warehouse layout for new orders based on customer requirements, which we would then refine with our expertise. This approach saves time and effort.”

Microsoft, as Arvato’s technology partner, plays an essential role in this initiative.

“Microsoft’s expertise in data platforms, compute capacities, genAI forecasting, computer vision, augmented reality and cognitive services like speech recognition and text analysis is vital in realising our vision of a self-managed warehouse,” said Brolly.

Arvato can already demonstrate the practical applications of the Moonshot project. One use case optimises picking routes using AI to reorganise task orders through rapid data analysis, enhancing navigation for pickers. Another use case involves AI-controlled interpretation of carrier responses in transport complaints. The AI smart layer interprets these responses and independently triggers appropriate actions in the claim management tool, freeing up resources by reducing manual complaint processing to three to four per cent.

Microsoft (www.microsoft.com) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovations that meet evolving needs. The technology company says it is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly.