Welcome to another exciting episode of The New Warehouse Podcast! Today’s guest is Al Dekin, Chief Revenue Officer and Co-Founder of Locus Robotics. Al shares the fascinating backstory of how Locus Robotics began and delves into how their Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are redefining warehouse operations. Join us as we explore their approach to boosting warehouse productivity, optimizing existing spaces, and their plans for the future from their brand-new headquarters.

Building Solutions from the Ground Up

What sets Locus Robotics apart? According to Al, it’s their first-hand experience in warehouse operations. “We weren’t a shiny object looking for a problem. We knew the magnitude of the challenge and built solutions to solve it,” he says. Starting as a 3PL using Kiva Systems, their decision to develop proprietary AMR solutions after Amazon’s acquisition of Kiva was a turning point. Their deep understanding of workflows has driven their success, delivering solutions that truly resonate with customers.

Bringing Robotics to Everyone’s Table

While robotics adoption often starts with industry giants, Al notes that smaller businesses are increasingly exploring automation. “The problems are universal,” he explains. Whether through direct partnerships or 3PL collaborations, mid-market companies leverage Locus Robotics’ scalable solutions to reduce labor dependency and enhance operational efficiency. Al adds, “We let robots do the unproductive task of moving things and movement around the warehouse and let people work collaboratively with those robots to do what they do best, which is the handling.” From improving throughput to enabling innovation in existing environments, the impact is far-reaching.

Unlocking Potential in Every Square Foot

Locus Robotics helps warehouses rethink how they use space. “We’re unique in driving throughput in mezzanine environments,” says Al, pointing to their success in optimizing pick towers and other space-saving structures. Their solutions allow companies to delay or even avoid costly expansions by maximizing current facilities. Flexibility, Al emphasizes, is key: “Your business in 18 months won’t look the same as it does today. Our solutions adapt to keep pace.”

Key Takeaways

• Locus Robotics blends human and robotic collaboration to streamline warehouse operations.
• Their expertise in operations gives them a competitive edge in designing impactful solutions.
• Scalable technology makes automation accessible for mid-market and small businesses.
• Unique integration with mezzanine storage creates unparalleled efficiency.
• A relentless focus on customer success drives long-term partnerships and continuous improvement.