In a strategic move to enhance its logistics operations, the global retail giant Otto Group has partnered with Reply [EXM, STAR: REY] and NVIDIA to implement a centralized, AI-driven virtual control system for intelligent robotic coordination.
The new “Robotic Coordination Layer” developed through this collaboration allows Otto Group to streamline the training, simulation, and orchestration of its autonomous mobile robots and stationary systems. This innovative approach is set to accelerate the company’s delivery processes and improve overall operational efficiency.
“By leveraging the power of AI and digital twins, we are able to unlock new levels of coordination and optimization across our robotic infrastructure,” said Ralf Jäger, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Otto Group. “This is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to enhance the agility and responsiveness of our logistics operations.”
The digital twin technology, developed by Reply, serves as the foundation for the Robotic Coordination Layer. This virtual representation of the physical robotic systems enables Otto Group to simulate and test various scenarios, optimizing workflows and identifying potential bottlenecks before implementing changes in the real-world environment.
“The integration of AI and digital twins is a game-changer for the logistics industry,” explained Filippo Rizzante, Reply’s Chief Technology Officer. “By creating a centralized, data-driven control system, we are empowering Otto Group to make more informed decisions, reduce operational costs, and deliver an even higher level of customer service.”
NVIDIA’s cutting-edge GPU technology plays a pivotal role in powering the AI algorithms that underpin the Robotic Coordination Layer. The company’s expertise in machine learning and simulation has been instrumental in driving the development of this innovative solution.
“We are proud to be part of this transformative project, which showcases the immense potential of AI-powered robotics in the retail and logistics sectors,” said Olaf Berlien, Managing Director of NVIDIA Germany. “By combining our advanced GPU technology with Reply’s digital twin expertise, we are enabling Otto Group to unlock new levels of operational efficiency and agility.”
The implementation of the Robotic Coordination Layer is expected to yield tangible benefits for Otto Group, including reduced delivery times, improved resource utilization, and enhanced supply chain resilience. As the retail industry continues to evolve, this AI-driven robotic coordination system positions the company at the forefront of innovation, poised to meet the growing demands of its customers.
