Huge global in-house software team

Q What is your company’s USP?

A Our unique selling point is having a global in-house software team of over 600 engineers working on a single platform. This allows us to provide customers with a one-stop shop for automation, combining our SynQ software with our extensive product range and partner hardware.

Q Tell us about your recent innovations?

A We’ve made significant advancements with our robotic item picking solution, ItemPiQ, which now features a changeable gripper and AI-driven vision system. This enhances the range of products we can handle, improves throughput, and reduces errors. Our solution is also fully developed in-house from Swisslog and KUKA, seamlessly fully integrated with SynQ software, offering superior flexibility in warehouse operations.

Q What challenges do your customers face and how are helping them respond?

A Our customers face challenges related to market conditions, rising customer expectations for price and lead-time, labour shortages, and energy costs. Automation is key to overcoming these challenges by reducing operating costs and extending the life of existing facilities, ensuring future success.

Q What industry sectors do you target?

A Our focus depends on the solution. For Cube or Pallet ASRS, we cater to multiple industries, while solutions like ACPaQ are tailored for the grocery and food & beverage sectors. Our primary verticals include grocery, food & beverage, general merchandise, and fashion/apparel.

Q What are you doing to meet sustainability objectives?

A As part of the KUKA group, we are committed to science-based targets to reduce our carbon footprint. We’re also actively working with customers to help them track and lower their scope 3 emissions by providing data insights and automation solutions that improve energy efficiency. Our solutions are designed with sustainability in mind, enabling customers to operate more environmentally responsible supply chains.

Q What trends have you seen in your sector this year?

A The market has been tough due to changing conditions and external factors, such as geopolitical events. Investment decisions have been impacted, and e-commerce growth has become unpredictable, especially as it stabilises after the pandemic.

Q What does your company have planned for 2024?

A As 2024 comes to a close, our focus is on successfully delivering key projects and strengthening partnerships. We are looking ahead to expanding our innovations in automation and AI-driven solutions while continuing to help our customers enhance operational effi ciency. We’re also exploring new opportunities in emerging markets and preparing for the increased demand for scalable, flexible automation systems.

Q How important is technology in modern warehousing and logistics?

A Technology is crucial and will become even more so. Many warehouses still operate manually with limited WMS capabilities, but this is changing. Modular solutions like AutoStore and automated mobile robots make automation more accessible, with the ability to scale easily. AI and software are playing a larger role in digitalising the supply chain, which will lead to increased efficiency and resilience.

Q What is the latest news from your company?

A We recently appointed Jens Schmale as our new CEO, ushering in a new era of leadership for Swisslog. Jens brings extensive experience in the automation industry and will be instrumental in driving the company’s strategic growth and innovation. His appointment refl ects our commitment to staying at the forefront of the warehousing and logistics sector, with a continued focus on customer-centric solutions and cutting-edge technology.

SWISSLOG

2 Brooklands Moons Moat Drive, B98 9DW Winyates, Redditch

Tel: +44(0)1527 551600

Web: www.swisslog.com/en-gb