AI and robotics drive smarter packaging and grocery logistics at Ocado

Ocado Group has introduced a new AI-powered robotic arm technology to enhance efficiency and productivity in the online grocery and logistics sectors. The company's latest advancement, On Grid Robotic Pick (OGRP), leverages artificial intelligence and robotics to streamline operations within customer fulfilment centres. By automating the picking, packing, and organisation of stock directly from the grid, OGRP aims to tackle some of the key logistical challenges in global supply chains.

One of the most significant issues in grocery logistics is managing the diversity of products, which vary in size, weight, and fragility. Ocado’s OGRP technology, powered by advanced machine learning models, allows robotic arms to recognise and handle a wide variety of items without prior programming. This adaptability is crucial in the grocery sector, where packaging and product characteristics can change frequently. The system’s built-in sensors and proprietary machine vision capabilities help reduce the risk of product damage and optimise packing density.

Ocado's new robotic system aims to improve productivity by extending the picking window. Robotic arms operate continuously, enabling high throughput during peak hours and allowing for consolidation and stock organisation during off-peak periods. This 24/7 operation enhances overall efficiency and supports employees by reducing repetitive tasks in distribution and fulfilment centres.

OGRP’s design offers businesses a scalable solution to manage their logistics challenges. By automating the picking process, Ocado helps its partners utilise existing warehouse space more effectively, thereby improving site economics. Furthermore, the technology addresses labour shortages by reducing the reliance on manual handling and enhancing security in highly regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals.

Ocado’s approach to AI and robotics is unique not only within the grocery sector but across multiple industries. By combining machine learning with behaviour cloning techniques, the OGRP system allows human operators to train robots, which in turn share these learnings with an entire fleet. This collaborative approach accelerates the improvement process and enables the robotic arms to adapt autonomously over time.

With over 1,100 technology patents and a large team of technologists, Ocado Group continues to refine its logistics solutions. The company is exploring future advancements in AI, including diffusion models that could expand the robotic arm’s capabilities beyond its current applications. Ocado aims to redefine supply chains by delivering consistent efficiency gains and operational improvements on a global scale.

Read the full story at Ocado Group.