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The new automated Home Shop Center (HSC) of Albert Heijn will soon be operational. The innovative project has been developed in collaboration with Swisslog and includes, among other things, the automation of the warehouse using an AutoStore system. In the HSC, containers with peanut butter and tubes of toothpaste will automatically roll over a sophisticated, automated rail network and eventually land in the well-known blue shopping crates in the Netherlands, which are delivered to customers’ homes.
(Buchs/Edegem) Marit van Egmond, CEO of Albert Heijn: “As the largest nationwide e-commerce provider in the supermarket sector, Albert Heijn focuses on innovation, growth, and sustainability. We are therefore constantly looking for new technologies that enable us to work even smarter and more efficiently. I am proud of the new step we are taking in our HSC in Barendrecht. This opens up another opportunity for us to grow in the e-commerce sector while also addressing the tight labor market situation.”
To automatically fill the food crates, Albert Heijn uses an automated system with robots and containers that can quickly gather perishable goods. The innovative project also includes the establishment of an automated fulfillment center from which deliveries are made directly to homes. The HSC project encompasses several processes, including booking, storage, sorting, and loading with the QuickMove conveyor system, the integration of SynQ software, and the implementation of AutoStore, a robot-controlled storage and picking system.
300 Robots with 45,000 Containers
Soon, around 300 robots with a total of 45,000 containers will zip through the new HSC to collect the groceries ordered by customers. This will ease the workload of employees. In the new HSC, humans and technology work hand in hand. Employees complete the orders, for example, by adding fresh produce. Albert Heijn has partnered with Swisslog for the realization of this automation project. Even after implementation, Swisslog remains involved, providing support and optimization through technical support. This is ensured by a dedicated team from Swisslog on-site, which detects any disruptions, analyzes data, and improves processes as needed.
Building Operated Completely Gas-Free
The new HSC is not only innovative but also sustainable. Like all other home shop and distribution centers of Albert Heijn, the completely gas-free operated building will receive a BREEAM certification due to various sustainable energy solutions. This includes the use of 5,400 solar panels, an energy-efficient cold storage facility, energy-efficient LED lighting, and a heat pump for climate control in the offices. And with 63 charging stations, the new HSC is ready for the transition to electric driving.
Warehouse in Zwolle Will Also Be Automated
The HSC in Barendrecht will soon begin this novel processing of customer orders. In the meantime, work on the next automated HSC has already begun. This is set to open in Zwolle in mid-2024.
Photo: © Swisslog
