Geek+, a global operator of mobile robots for logistics, and Starlinks, a Saudi logistics and supply chain solutions provider have jointly opened the first robotic fulfilment centre in Saudi Arabia to ramp up e-commerce in the region.
More than 250 Geek+ robots, covering both goods-to-person picking and order sorting processes are deployed in a new facility covering over 400,000 square feet, across storage capacity for more than 12 million units.
Director of operations at Starlinks, Salah Taha, said: “Our new solution comprises a pallet storage and handling storage system, a manual pick tower as well as a robotics solution allowing us to cater to a wide range of customer requirements and operations complemented by micro fulfilment centres distributed strategically across Saudi Arabia.
“Advanced automation and big data analytics enable us to better track and manage inventory, predict demand, and optimize routes for transportation thus helping us to increase efficiency, reduce operating cost and provide seamless services to our customers. We are committed to driving further innovation in the logistics and supply chain industry in the region and reducing lead time to e-commerce shoppers.”
Starlinks provides direct integration with Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, OpenCart, Amazon, eBay, and more than 60 other platforms through direct APIs.
The company is the first in the region to offer a hybrid picking solution that allows humans and machines to co-deliver manual picking operation.
Head of EMEA at Geek+, Brian Lee, said: “We are proud that our robotic solutions were chosen to power the most technologically advanced fulfilment centre in Saudi Arabia.
“The Middle East is a fast-growing logistics platform with strong demand for better throughput and faster fulfilment to meet consumer requirements, for which our solutions are designed. We are excited for what the future holds with Starlinks.”
Saudi Arabia is the 30th largest market for e-commerce. With a yearly growth rate of 19 per cent between 2021 and 2025, the kingdom is expected to outshine the global average of 10 per cent..
