Robotic parcel sorting at GLS
Netherlands

Robotization and automation do not come without opportunities to improve. We invite you to participate in GLS’s challenges. 

• Job satisfaction: GLS wanted to take action to keep employees satisfied
  and improve retention. Automating heavier and repetitive tasks allows employees to focus on other, more varied responsibilities.
• Technology integration: Implementing the robotic singulator, required
  seamless integration with existing systems at the sorting center. This
  posed challenges related to soft- and hardware compatibility and staff
  training.
• Space limitations: The Utrecht sorting center had limited floor space,
  meaning the robotic solution must be designed to operate efficiently in a
  confined environment.
• Efficiency and performance measurement: ROSI’s performance
  compared to that of human workers needed to be assessed and evaluated.
  The challenge lay in ensuring that the robot could consistently achieve
  and maintain the promised efficiency of processing 1,600 parcels per
  hour.
• Changes in work processes: The introduction of ROSI led to changes in
  employee responsibilities, requiring them to adapt to new workflows. This
  created resistance or uncertainty among staff regarding their roles. 
• Scalability and global application: If the pilot in Utrecht proves
  successful, GLS will consider deploying ROSI and other robotic solutions
  globally.