The move is in part a reaction to the sustained ecommerce boom and the requirement for swift order fulfilment, said a Geodis press release.

Geek+, a global technology company specialising in smart logistics through advanced robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), will operated at its Yuen Long Warehouse Distribution Centre (YLDC) in Hong Kong.

The YLDC will be provided with autonomous maneuverable robots (AMR) operating area with quick response coding to guide automated operations. The smart facility underlines Geodis' digital-first outlook to future operations.

Said Geodis regional chief Onno Boots: "Our investments in this AI-driven automation system brings substantial value to Geodis' ecommerce and retail customers by addressing key challenges they face today.

Geodis' initial project AMR deployment features customised storage racks and shelves that do not require aisles in between while parked.

This high-density storage buffer allows Geodis to maximise its storage capacity for improved customer fulfillment processes. Furthermore, the Geek+ robots will be used for locating, tracking, and moving inventory through "Goods-to-Person Picking" solutions. This method allows orders to be delivered directly to pick and pack stations, eliminating any movement time needed by operators to search for items.

In addition to improved real estate utilisation, AMR adoption minimises manual labour and reduces the risk of human error - improving picking accuracy and reducing inventory count errors.