Rakuten Super Logistics picks Zebra Technologies’ robots to triple productivity

Rakuten Super Logistics (RSL) has teamed up with Zebra Technologies to deploy its Fetch autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at its Las Vegas facility in order to increase efficiency and productivity of its fulfilment operations.

After evaluating several robotics providers, the Japanese-owned company, which celebrated its 20th anniversary as a national, full-service Third-Party Logistics provider in the USA last year, chose the FlexShelf robots as the superior option available in the market. Fetch AMRs can triple productivity in fulfilment operations as they operate up to 50% faster than other fulfilment AMRs. They can also reduce the amount of time pickers spend walking by up to 60%.

RSL will use the FlexShelf line of AMRs to improve its picking efficiency, eliminating unnecessary steps in its process thus maximising the productivity of its front-line workers. FlexShelf AMRs will be integrated with RSL’s warehouse management system to optimise workflows and maximize its investment.

With the initial deployment planned for the second quarter of 2022, RSL is expecting to roll out the solution across its other warehouse facilities throughout 2022 and 2023.

“When we reached a critical point in our operations, we needed to seek further productivity gains and help address labor shortages. After an extensive review process, we knew that Zebra Technologies was the optimal solution,” Michael Manzione, CEO, Rakuten Super Logistics, said. “We look forward to being an early adopter of the Fetch fulfilment solution which is a proven leader in the industry. Zebra’s complete support from survey to deployment – along with daily engagement – gave us the confidence the company will ensure the solution’s success.”

James Lawton, Vice President and General Manager of Robotics Automation, Zebra Technologies, added: “Our comprehensive fulfilment solution brings together the best of Zebra and Fetch to help companies like RSL modernise their warehouse operations for improved accuracy, productivity and worker safety.”

FlexShelf provides flexible configurations for bin sizing and spacing. It also helps reduce worker training time and increase picking accuracy with put-to-light and pick-side lighting which is a critical element during peak seasonal periods when order volumes and seasonal staff are at their highest levels.

Specialised in e-commerce order fulfilment, Rakuten Super Logistics helps leading e-commerce retailers increase the speed of delivery, improve order accuracy, decrease shipping costs, and increase customer satisfaction. Its cloud-based fulfilment platform for order and inventory management features integration with popular e-commerce platforms, and automatic order importing from online marketplaces, including Shopify, Amazon, Magento, and Walmart Marketplace. RSL's 2-day delivery network of fulfilment centres allows for 1-2 day delivery via ground shipping to 98% of the U.S.