Chinese robotics company Geek+ has deployed 100 autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in a distribution centre serving more than 300 Circle K convenience stores in Hong Kong.

The 13,000 square metre distribution centre handles the deliveries for the convenience stores that serve more than 600,000 customers daily. Products range from small everyday items to food and cold goods.

In January, the company decided to transform its operations with 100 Geek+ AMRs, to ensure the effective daily handling of over a million products.

“We are excited to see our system support Circle K with the accuracy, efficiency and flexibility needed to serve its wide network of convenience stores,” said Lit Fung, vice president at Geek+. “Our AI-driven robotics enable digitalisation for streamlining warehouse operations, which helps our customers improve competitiveness in an ever-changing environment.”

AMRs will automate many time-consuming and strenuous tasks traditionally performed by warehouse employees such as finding and moving goods around the warehouse. In turn, they can create a safer work environment for employees while improving overall employee productivity.

Driven by intelligent software and QR-code technology, the network of robots will flexibly move racks of ordered goods from a designated area for inventory to employees positioned at workstations where they will finalise the picking process guided by the interface. This improves the overall picking accuracy and efficiency.

The flexibility of movable robot-compatible racking, combined with the ability to choose the optimal route and organise inventory densely according to real-time demand, should improve space use and bring more flexible supply chain operations. Additionally, AMRs can operate round the clock to support periods of high demand.

Bruce Ma, senior supply chain manager of Circle K in Hong Kong, said: “With substantial challenges facing our team, we aim to improve customers’ and employees’ experiences by reinventing our supply chain using automation technologies.”

Moving forward, Geek+ and Circle K plan to work closely to secure the smooth operations of the largest automated warehouse within Asia’s grocery industry and ensure the timely and accurate allocation of millions of quality products to Circle K’s network of convenience stores.

Geek+ has 300 global customers and has deployed around 15,000 robots worldwide. Founded in 2015, it has more than 1000 employees and is headquartered in Beijing, with offices in Germany, UK, USA, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.