Pro FS: Europe’s First RoboShuttle AMR Tote-Retrieval System

AI-powered RoboShuttle Fulfilment Revolution for Pro FS

Professional Fulfilment Services (Pro FS) has taken a fresh look at the future of warehousing by partnering with SEC Storage to implement Europe’s first RoboShuttle Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) tote-retrieval system. This cutting-edge solution marries AI-driven system design with robotics to revolutionise warehouse efficiency, proving that automation is no longer the exclusive domain of large enterprises.

The transformation aligns seamlessly with Pro FS’s strategy to deliver unmatched service and expand its operations across Europe. With AI-powered insights and innovative robotics, Pro FS has turned its vision of scalable, sustainable, and cost-effective warehousing into a reality.

AI at the Helm: The Role of DIDO

Central to the project’s success was DIDO, SEC Storage’s proprietary AI-driven platform that optimises warehouse design by processing vast datasets and simulating operational realities to ensure they remain optimised post-implementation.

DIDO’s workflow integrates three AI modules that work together to deliver unparalleled results:

ELSA

This module scrutinised over 816 storage technology combinations, analysing every SKU in Pro FS’s inventory to identify the ideal fit. ELSA’s analysis highlighted the RoboShuttle system, a solution previously dismissed as impractical for SMEs, as the optimal choice.

CLARA

Tasked with designing the warehouse, CLARA evaluated thousands of layouts, modelling them into digital twins that simulate performance, efficiency, and ROI. This level of precision ensured the design was perfectly aligned with Pro FS’s unique operational needs.

ELISA

By simulating real-world conditions, ELISA validated the designs, forecasting key performance metrics like order throughput and space utilisation. The result? A system tailored to maximise efficiency and minimise costs.

Through iterative collaboration between these modules, DIDO delivered a futuristic warehouse design that was both innovative and attainable.

Innovation in Action: The RoboShuttle System

The RoboShuttle solution integrates 7 RS robots, which retrieve totes from up to 8 meters, with 17 P40 robots that operate beneath racking to transport totes to pickers. This dual-layered automation system reduces manual intervention, optimises space, and improves speed.

Key Outcomes:

• Efficiency Gains: Pickers now process over 600 orders per hour, a 92% reduction in staffing requirements compared to traditional systems
• Space Optimisation: The system utilises 40% of the warehouse’s cubic volume, a significant improvement over conventional methods
• Cost Savings: By using advanced order clustering and SKU analysis, DIDO reduced robot requirements from 67 to just 24, a 64% cost saving on robotics

Collaborative Execution and Scalability

This groundbreaking project owes its success to close collaboration between SEC Storage and Pro FS. SEC provided the system’s design expertise, while Pro FS tailored its Warehouse Management System (WMS) to integrate seamlessly with the RoboShuttle technology. Together, they created a solution that is both operationally efficient and ready for future growth.

Pro FS was looking to invest in a scalable and flexible warehouse storage and picking solution that enabled continuous improvement in efficiencies and reliability for clients, whilst enabling ease of growth. To optimise this and ensure the success of the project, we knew it was necessary to consider vast amounts of historic data as well as project into the future.

Working with SEC allowed us to do just that – and be confident that the final system was one that optimised current operations, provided a good work environment and allowed for flexibility in how we can grow our customer base. Planning to this degree, based on real time data, has also enabled cost efficiencies to be maximised now and for expansion.

Chris Vautier, CEO, Professional Fulfilment Services Ltd

Scalable by Design

• The system’s modular layout allows for rapid horizontal expansion
• Pre-installed structures support vertical growth up to 13 meters
• New robots can be deployed in hours, ensuring Pro FS can meet rising demand with minimal disruption

Driving Future Readiness

This innovative system is more than just a warehouse upgrade; it’s a launchpad for Pro FS’s long-term vision. The AI-powered solution ensures ongoing improvements through predictive slotting and machine learning, driving greater productivity with every order processed.

This project also enabled Pro FS to focus on advancing their sustainability goals. By reducing lighting, heating, and energy consumption, the system lowers the warehouse’s environmental footprint while boosting efficiency.

A New Era for SME Automation

The Geek+ RoboShuttle system sets a benchmark for what is possible when AI and robotics converge in warehousing. This project demonstrates how even SMEs can use cutting-edge technology to achieve scalability, profitability, and sustainability.

“DIDO has redefined what we thought was achievable. This was not just an investment in technology; it’s an investment in Pro FS’s future and proof of concept for other SMEs out there.”

Harry Watts, Managing Director of SEC Storage

This project earned significant recognition, being named a finalist in two prestigious industry awards. It was shortlisted for the ‘Best Use of Robotics’ category at the esteemed Supply Chain Excellence Awards and for the ‘Innovative Use of Autonomous Vehicles’ category at the Robotics and Automation Awards. These accolades highlight the project’s groundbreaking approach and its impactful use of robotics and autonomous technology in driving innovation.

With this transformation, Pro FS has not only optimised its operations but also positioned itself as a leader in the e-fulfilment industry. The project’s success shows what’s possible when businesses of any size are willing to invest in innovation.