US firms SVT Robotics and Locus Robotics joined forces to deploy autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for coffee maker Kenco.

Virginia-based SVT Robotics’ software accelerates the deployment of industrial robotics. Massachusetts-based Locus Robotics produces AMRs for warehouse fulfilment. They are working together to accelerate the integration of Locus’ multi-bot AMRs in Kenco’s fulfilment warehouses.

“Kenco’s collaboration with SVT and Locus Robotics has made deploying autonomous mobile robots seamless, significantly easier and faster,” said Kristi Montgomery, vice president at Kenco. “As we add robotics to additional sites, being able to be up and running in weeks versus months is a critical growth factor to enable delivery of high productivity for all of our customers.”

SVT partnered with Locus to develop and launch a pre-built integration connection between SVT’s Softbot platform and Locus to shorten integration time and complexity.

“Locus customers can now rapidly integrate and deploy Locus robotics without lengthy custom code development,” said AK Schultz, CEO of SVT Robotics. “The connectivity from the Softbot platform to LocusBots technology enables warehouses to fully integrate Locus AMRs in just a matter of days to begin optimising their productivity and efficiency much more quickly.”

Locus Robotics’ AMRs fulfilment helps brands, retailers and third-party logistics operators meet increasing consumer demand for ecommerce, retail, omnichannel and manufacturing order fulfilment. LocusBots work collaboratively with workers, doubling or tripling productivity of both outbound (picking) fulfilment and inbound putaway and replenishment while lowering labour recruitment, training and retention costs.

“Fast and seamless WMS integration is a key element in Locus’ ability to deploy quickly and flexibly in both existing and greenfield warehouses,” said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics. “SVT’s expertise in integrating Locus with all WMS platforms will help us deliver even faster RoI for our customers and drive the digital transformation of today’s fulfilment warehouse.”

SVT’s Softbot platform lets companies integrate any robot, automation, IoT device or human productivity tool for any task in days or weeks.

Locus Robotics’ multi-bot incorporates intelligent AMRs that operate collaboratively with human workers to improve piece-handling productivity with less labour compared with traditional piece handling systems. This helps retailers, 3PLs and specialty warehouses of users such as Ceva, DHL, Boots, Geodis, GXO, Whiplash, Verst Logistics and Radial efficiently meet and exceed the increasingly complex and demanding fulfilment environments, integrating into existing warehouse infrastructures without disrupting workflows.