Exotec Builds 5,000th Robot, Launches Three New Technologies, and Hires Executives

Exotec today announced innovation milestones and continued growth in North America as the company continues its global expansion. It said this business momentum is driven by the growing demand for warehouse automation.

“We continue to see a strong demand for scalable and proven warehouse robotic solutions,” said Romain Moulin, co-founder and CEO of Exotec. “Our track record of serving the world’s largest brands positions Exotec to benefit from the explosive growth of the global warehouse robotics market, which is expected to reach $16 billion by 2031.”

Exotec, which initially began operations in France, said it builds goods-to-person warehouse robotic solutions for the world’s largest brands. The company claimed that it combines hardware and software for flexible warehouse systems that can drive operational efficiency, add resiliency, and improve working conditions for warehouse operators.

More than 30 brands including Carrefour, Decathlon, Gap, and Uniqlo trust Exotec to improve their operations and profitably navigate rapid shifts in business models and customer expectations, said the company.

Robots save 16M miles of walking

This month, Exotec said it had reached the milestone of 5,000 robots built in record time -- just three months after hitting the 4,000 robots milestone. The company credited its rapidly growing manufacturing capabilities and growing demand for its products.

Exotec said it has already "made significant strides in making warehouse jobs less physically demanding."

To date, Exotec robots have saved warehouse workers from having to walk at least 16 million miles, the company asserted. This is equivalent to going to the moon and back 33 times.

The company today also announced that it has partnered with Alliance Auto Group (AAG) in the U.K. and Ireland.

Exotec invests in continuous innovation

Exotec said it is continuing to "aggressively" invest in research and development this year. Since its inception, Exotec noted that it has effectively doubled its R&D spend every year.

In addition to spending a significant portion of the $446 million of the funds it has raised so far to R&D, the company has committed 10% of all sales to the development of new products.

Exotec said it currently holds 26 granted patents, with 68 patent applications still pending, almost half of all its patents were filed during phe last six months. The company recently expanded its portfolio with three new products:

• Skypath is a modular conveyor system that can reach a maximum throughput of 2,700 totes per hour
• Skypicker is an updated picking system that features machine learning-based vision
• Deepsky is proprietary warehouse software that seamlessly integrates Exotec technology with most warehouse management and control systems (WMS/WCS) as well as third-party automation equipment

North American HQ supports growing customer base

In December 2022, Exotec officially opened its North American headquarters in Atlanta. The company said it expects North America to represent as much as 40% of Exotec's global business by 2025.

Since starting operations in North America, Exotec has signed 15 new partnerships with major organizations across retail, e-commerce, and third-party logistics (3PL). The company reported that it currently operates seven sites in North America, including Fortune 500 customers, just three years after expanding into the market.

Exotec also recently announced that it hired industry veterans Andy Williams, executive vice president of sales, and Sid Henderson as vice president of business bevelopment for the North American market. The company employs around 55 professionals in North America and aims to double its headcount by 2024.

Exotec is exhibiting at Booth N7325 in McCormick Place at ProMat 2023 this week in Chicago.

Editor's note: For more about ProMat, visit Robotics 24/7's special coverage page.