Russian Retail Chain Deploys Robots as Load Carriers
Major retailers in Russia are testing autonomous robots to handle warehouse logistics, aiming to boost efficiency and reduce manual labor.
The retail chain Lenta has begun testing autonomous pallet-carrying robots at its distribution center. The machines can move up to one ton of cargo and navigate spaces using SLAM algorithms and laser scanning. They follow pre-programmed routes and automatically stop if an obstacle or person appears in their path. Lenta hypermarkets have also introduced Pudu CC1 cleaning robots, which operate at night to clean store aisles before returning to their charging stations.
Another major retail group, X5 Group, is also automating manual labor at its distribution centers. Meanwhile, Wildberries and Yandex are testing robots designed to sort and palletize goods.
Industry experts estimate that about 88% of Russian companies in e-commerce, retail, and logistics are planning to introduce autonomous mobile robots in the coming years.
