Körber launches robotics-as-a-service program spanning multiple partner solutions

Global technology and supply chain software company Körber has unveiled its plans to extend its robotic service partnerships to combine the technology, services and expertise of some of the world’s top solution providers. The German company, which has partnered with autonomous mobile robot (AMR) vendors, announced yesterday that it is launching a robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) program to provide simplified access to a global network of robotics service partners.

The company sees RaaS as helping companies ensure their supply chain operations are able to survive in today’s digital economy, since organizations need to increase efficiency, flexibility and scalability. Körber also sees RaaS as complementary to supply chain technologies spanning warehouse management, warehouse control, voice, order management, simulation and more. Körber leadership added that its RaaS program will provide unique opportunities to reduce operational costs and time to deployment, by allowing customers to purchase robots “as-a-service”, rather than as one large upfront expenditure.

“The autonomous mobile robots (AMR) sector in particular, has seen tremendous growth in recent years,” explained Joe Couto, Executive Vice President Robotics & 3PL at Körber Business Area Supply Chain. “Customers across the globe are looking for solutions in various operational areas to meet spikes in demand and address complexities around labor, safety and warehouse associates’ wellbeing. Körber has made it its mission to help companies worldwide respond to these challenges faster, while keeping fulfillment time and costs as low as possible. Körber’s flexible robotics and accompanying automation solutions have brought scalable fulfillment operations to numerous customers around the globe, and now we are bringing it to the next level.”

Körber explained that its AMR offerings are a key part of its portfolio of supply chain technology, and the new RaaS option aims to allow broader access for organizations to leverage AMRs. The decision also allows easier access for companies looking to build heterogenous AMR fleets, taking advantage of different AMR use cases from multiple Körber partners, the company added.

“The greatest benefit of working with Körber is seizing the opportunities of the digital era through a single source,” added John Santagate, Vice President Robotics & Voice at Körber Business Area Supply Chain. “A lot of organizations continue their investments into automated technologies in the supply chain, but few leverage the potential of integrated solutions. More than ever, businesses need a partner with broad capabilities to conquer supply chain complexity.”

The announcement was made at Körber’s annual user conference, Elevate, held March 12-15, 2023 in Orlando, Florida.