GLS Netherlands Automates Parcel Processing with ROSI

Innovative robot solution in Utrecht marks a first for the international GLS Group

Utrecht, October 14, 2024 — Parcel service provider GLS Netherlands, in collaboration with robotic system integrator AWL, has installed a new robotic solution at its sorting center in Utrecht. The Robotic Singulator, named ROSI, has recently begun singulating mini-parcels on the conveyor belt. This implementation marks not only the first step in a broader project aimed at increasing the efficiency of parcel processing but also the very first installation within the GLS Group. Additionally, this is one of the first times ROSI has been applied globally.

"ROSI is a smart robotic solution that picks small parcels from a pile and places them on the conveyor belt of the mini-sorter. Using vision technology and AI, it identifies individual parcels from bulk packages and selects the best strategy to pick them up with the right speed and precision. ROSI detects and picks parcels up to about 5 kilograms and processes nearly as many as its human colleagues—around 1,600 per hour. It assists our warehouse workers by taking over repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on other duties," said Tom Hartmans, ROSI’s Project Manager at GLS. "This makes their work more diverse and increases the overall efficiency of our processes."

The robotic solution was also specifically developed for use in spaces with limited floor area, making the Utrecht sorting center an ideal testing ground. "The Utrecht sorting center is relatively small in terms of space, which is why it was chosen for the debut of the Robotic Singulator."

Close Local Collaboration
The pilot project is being carried out in close collaboration with AWL, an internationally operating company headquartered in Harderwijk. AWL is also testing other innovations at GLS’s Utrecht location, such as a new high-tech gripper that handles parcels more effectively.

"It’s fantastic to collaborate with GLS towards a shared goal: improving working conditions for employees. This allows us to advance innovation and robotics and bring current technology into real-world applications," said Jeffrey Vroemen, Product Manager at AWL.

The results of this Dutch pilot will influence the innovation strategy of the entire GLS Group. If ROSI continues to perform well, the door will be open to introduce robotic colleagues into GLS’s international distribution network, enabling GLS to optimize its logistics processes further and enhance its already strong service offering.

About GLS Netherlands
GLS Netherlands delivers countless daily parcels, from person to person, with care and attention. As one of the leading logistics service providers in the Netherlands, they ensure that customers and recipients are served with personal care every day. They have been doing this for over 40 years, starting as the Dutch Parcel Service in 1980.

GLS Netherlands is part of the GLS Group, one of the largest logistics companies in Europe. With a strong local presence in all European markets, GLS transports millions of parcels across the continent daily. GLS is proactive in network management, ensuring it can effectively respond to the dynamics of the logistics sector. The GLS Group serves over 250,000 customers across 40 European countries, eight U.S. states, and Canada, providing top-quality service. The GLS network includes over 120 hubs and 1,600 depots, supported by a fleet of 6,500 trucks and around 37,000 delivery vehicles. In 2023, GLS Group generated revenues of €5.6 billion and delivered 905 million parcels. For more information, visit www.gls.nl.