Reimagining logistics at ODTH with scalable automation from Movu Robotics

The family-owned logistics provider, long known for its people-first culture and sustainable mindset, partnered with Movu Robotics to deploy a scalable automation solution that sets new standards for efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility.

A modern answer to classic challenges

As throughput demands increased and product variety grew, ODTH faced mounting complexity in warehouse operations. The challenge was to boost storage density and performance in a low-bay facility, without disrupting 24/7 service.

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The answer came in the form of Movu atlas, a high-density pallet shuttle system , and Movu OPS, Movu’s proprietary warehouse execution software. Together, they provide the flexibility and intelligence ODTH needed to evolve step by step.

Smart design, sustainable thinking

Phase 1 of the project reuses ODTH’s existing racking, a move that saved more than 680 tonnes of CO₂ and reduced installation time and capital expenditure. The new system spans 14,000 m², offering 31,000 pallet positions across four levels. It combines 20 autonomous shuttles, 5 elevators, and integrated inbound and outbound stations, handling up to 6,000 pallets per day (3,000 inbound, 3,000 outbound).

Both Euro and industrial pallets, from 1,200 mm in width up to 2,400 mm in height, can now be stored dynamically, ensuring maximum flexibility and storage density.

Intelligence behind the movement

At the heart of the operation is Movu OPS, which orchestrates all warehouse activities and seamlessly integrates with ODTH’s existing SAP ERP. It connects directly with Movu Conveyor Control (MCC) and the Movu Tower traffic controller to manage routing, elevator optimisation, and buffering strategies in real time.
“The SAP integration was key to enabling real-time visibility and orchestration,” explains Thomas De Rudder, Integration Manager at Movu Robotics. “It ensures that every shuttle, conveyor, and station works in perfect sync.”

Results that move the industry

Even after the first phase, ODTH has achieved:

• Reduced forklift traffic, improving safety and lowering energy use
• Optimised use of vertical space in a low-bay environment
• Higher storage density and operational throughput
• Automated nighttime buffering, preparing shipments during off-peak hours

“By combining automation with sustainable reuse, we’ve unlocked new capacity without compromising our people or our service,” says Vim Van Leuven, project manager at ODTH.

Scalable growth ahead

With four more phases planned, ODTH and Movu Robotics are building a system that can expand seamlessly with customer demand. Each step adds more shuttles, storage capacity, and software intelligence, without downtime or service disruption.

The ODTH Rumst project stands as a benchmark in smart, sustainable logistics, proving that even existing facilities can be transformed into future-ready operations through intelligent engineering, collaboration, and scalable automation.

Read the full case study here.