In a groundbreaking collaboration, Movu Robotics has implemented its cutting-edge atlas pallet shuttle system at Kris De Leeneer’s (KDL) state-of-the-art Distribution Centre (DC) in Lokeren, Belgium.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone as the first Movu atlas system tailored for the third-party logistics (3PL) market. The innovative automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) provides KDL with approximately 45,000 storage locations and the capability to handle up to 11,000 pallet movements per week, offering unparalleled flexibility and scalability.

Founded in 2001, KDL has positioned itself as a leading logistics service provider, dedicated to enhancing supply chain management for its clients. The Movu atlas shuttle system, integral to KDL’s new 10,000 square meter DC, plays a pivotal role in achieving KDL’s vision of “better, bigger, and easier.” Located in Lokeren and adjacent to the highway, the DC optimizes vertical storage to minimize its footprint, embodying KDL’s commitment to sustainability.

The Movu atlas system, installed in the summer of 2022, boasts a 28-meter-high rack with ten levels, covering a footprint of 60 x 100 meters. The system utilizes 20 Movu atlas pallet shuttles to transport pallets within the rack’s storage lanes. Movu’s Warehouse Execution System (WES) software efficiently manages shuttle traffic, seamlessly integrating with KDL’s Warehouse Management System (WMS).

Kris De Leeneer, CEO of KDL, emphasized the unique advantages of the Movu atlas system, stating, “Movu’s atlas is an efficient and scalable automated warehousing solution that can adapt to our requirements due to its modularity and the ability to add shuttles as required.”

The collaboration between Movu Robotics and KDL extends beyond the atlas system, encompassing integrated in/outbound zones, advanced conveyors, and turntables. The result is a streamlined flow of goods from storage to the dispatch area, featuring ten loading docks.

One of the key strengths of the Movu atlas system is its inherent flexibility. KDL benefits from the ability to easily increase pallet throughput by adding more shuttles, ensuring adaptability to changing business levels and customer demands. The modular rack design allows for future expansion, providing a future-proof solution for KDL’s evolving needs.

Stefan Pieters, CEO of Movu Robotics, expressed the significance of the project, stating, “This project is a great demonstration of bringing easier automation to all warehouses. The atlas shuttle system offers a flexible, scalable, modular approach to automation.”

The success of this collaboration exemplifies the seamless integration of innovative technology into logistics operations, showcasing the potential for automated solutions to enhance efficiency, throughput, and adaptability in warehouse environments.