Warehouse logistics and automation firm KNAPP has announced a formal agreement to offer automated micro-fulfillment technology and robotics services to Takeoff Technologies.
The agreement also includes exclusive development of the immediate in-store eGrocery channel.
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Headed by two Harvard Business School MBAs, Takeoff Technologies has already initiated the process of deploying several sites this year in partnership with retailers. The technology is designed to transform the way grocery sector operates by incorporating automation to reduce operating cost and increase real estate productivity.
Takeoff offers a turnkey end-to-end technology solution for eGrocery, which is partly based on the KNAPP robotic shuttle technology for the material handling automation component.
The business model employed by Takeoff provides a distinct approach to the ecommerce order fulfillment of groceries via micro fulfillment centres co-located at the supermarket level for immediate pick-up. The technology occupies less space, meets order demand in real-time, and is expected to deliver goods in a quick, cost-effective manner for customer pick-up.
Takeoff co-founders Jose Vicente Aguerrevere and Max Pedro said: “The US grocery market represents over $700bn, and ecommerce is only 2% of that, mainly due to inefficiencies and constraints in the way this channel is operated, therefore significantly limiting the value proposition for online customers around immediacy, assortment and price. This means there is plenty of room for growth.”
Takeoff chief business engineer Alfredo Millán said: “After a thorough evaluation to select a material handling automation partner, the KNAPP solutions provide us with the best performance, speed and reliability, and represent best-in-class innovation for micro-fulfillment technology.”
KNAPP US operations CEO Josef Mentzer said: “The exclusive arrangement with Takeoff Technologies is a measure of our confidence that the Takeoff team and business model, using less space, operating at less cost than traditional grocers and pureplays, and located within local neighborhoods, is a solid value proposition.
"In effect, Takeoff has the right formula to optimise technology, inventory, people and space, in the grocery ecommerce market segment.”
Takeoff Technologies is a Boston-based startup that aims to transform the grocery industry with the development of micro-fulfillment centres for immediate pickup points using grocery-sorting robots to assemble orders.
KNAPP offers one-stop, custom-designed intralogistics solutions in health care, retail, apparel, food, manufacturing and ecommerce sectors.
