CEVA Logistics and Geek+ Deploy Mobile Robots at Distribution Center in Belgium

CEVA Logistics and Geekplus Technology Co. today announced that they are collaborating to help consumers obtain footwear and apparel through the use of autonomous mobile robots, or AMRs.

The companies said their modernization efforts at CEVA's warehouse in Grobbendonk, Belgium, in the Antwerp province, demonstrate the benefits of AMRs. They include delivering a more ergonomic working environment and improving efficiency, all while maintaining accuracy.

Marseille, France-based CEVA Logistics has its U.S. headquarters in Jacksonville, Fla. The third-party logistics provider (3PL) offers a range of customized systems and air, ocean, ground, and finished vehicle transport in 170 countries and has 110,000 employees at more than 1,300 facilities.

With pro forma 2022 revenue of $18.7 billion (U.S.), the unit of CMA CGM Group has also worked with Berkshire Grey, Kodiak Robotics, and Locus Robotics.

CEVA Logistics deploys G2P systems

CEVA Logistics said its 50,000-sq.-m (538,195.5 sq. ft.) warehouse is now equipped with a fleet of 27 Geek+ P-series picking robots and five workstations. The picking robots can carry a 1,000-kg (2,204.6 lb.) payload and operate at a maximum speed of 2 m/sec. (4.4 mph).

The company and Geek+ said their goods-to-person system provides a high degree of flexibility, quick integration into existing operations, and can handle daily volumes of more than 10,000 outbound items.

"At CEVA, we define innovation as the implementation of new ideas with business impact," said Bart Beeks, global head of contract logistics at CEVA. "As a result, we are always looking for the best solutions for our clients, scanning the technology horizon alongside our partners."

"The Geek+ solution is a great fit for our operation in Grobbendonk, providing a more comfortable working environment for on-site employees, while at the same time handling a far greater order volume," he added.

Robots from Geek+ operate in CEVA Logistics' new distribution center. Source: CEVA Logistics

Geek+ continues collaboration

Geek+ and CEVA Logistics noted that the Grobbendonk project represents their ongoing cooperation. In 2021, Körber Supply Chain deployed Geek+ automation in a CEVA warehouse in Australia, one of the largest distribution centers in the southern hemisphere.

The company said the Grobbendonk site applies those previous successes to online retail operations in Europe, including the creation of safer working conditions for warehouse staffers.

"This project with CEVA once again demonstrates what Geek+ can do for retail operations and warehouse operators," said Jean Gateau, global key account director at Geek+. "We have already had great success with CEVA in Australia, and it's fantastic that we can reproduce that in Europe, too."

Founded in 2015, Geek+ said it has more than 500 customers and more than 1,500 employees. The Beijing-based company has offices in Germany, the U.K., the U.S., Japan, and Singapore.