The two automation specialists Exotec and E80 Group want to jointly create a comprehensive solution for warehouse automation in the consumer goods and food industry. The aim of the development collaboration is an integrated system that unites Exotec's automated container and small parts storage “Skypod” with E80 Group's technologies specialized in pallet logistics.
A scalable automation system is to be created that covers the handling of crates, cartons and pallets throughout from goods receipt to shipping. The bundling of the technologies would not only reduce the need for separate systems but also simplify the infrastructure, minimize interfaces and increase operational efficiency, according to the idea.
“Exotec and the E80 Group not only offer complementary technologies – we also share the same philosophy of reducing complexity through intelligent, product-oriented design,” said Romain Moulin, co-founder and CEO of Exotec.
Therefore, they have invested heavily in the partnership with the E80 Group to jointly develop a solution that will set
new benchmarks for end-to-end automation in the food and beverage industry as well as for consumer goods.
“This partnership is an important step forward for the intralogistics industry,” adds Gabriele Grassi, Deputy Chairman of the E80 Group. “Together we are not only integrating two systems, but also rethinking how goods can move seamlessly from production to store shelves or to the end customer in e-commerce.”
The combination of Exotec's flexible AS/RS with its own end-to-end solutions creates a new automation model that is geared toward the future of retail and the requirements of end consumers.
Time-, cost- and efficiency pressures in the consumer goods and food industry
The joint solution is aimed at customers under high time-, cost- and efficiency pressure — for example in the consumer goods and food industry. There, warehouses must process large quantities of differently packaged goods such as full pallets, mixed cartons and individual items in a short time. Previously this often
required a combination of separate picking and palletizing systems, which led to complex handoffs, duplicated infrastructures and higher personnel requirements.
With the new approach, Exotec and E80 want to create a seamless connection of both worlds: items, cartons and pallets move within a continuous automation system – without media breaks, manual interventions or redundant technology.
Integration of Exotec's warehouse management software “Deepsky” with the E80 platform “SM.I.LE80”
By integrating their software systems, the companies also aim to intelligently control material flows. Exotec controls movements in the container area via its warehouse management software “Deepsky,” while the E80 Group orchestrates its end-to-end intralogistics solutions via its own platform “SM.I.LE80.” This monitors, among other things, autonomous transport systems (AGV/LGV), automated loading and unloading systems, as well as storage and picking modules. The holistic digital approach enables centralized, transparent control of all processes in real time, the companies say.
Fewer, but more capable locations in retail, wholesale and e-commerce
The
solution is intended to meet the growing demand for flexible, high-performing multichannel supply chains. Retail, wholesale and e-commerce should in the future be merged at fewer, but more capable locations. This enables higher process reliability, shorter lead times and more efficient use of the existing space. According to the companies, this also implies significant savings potential in personnel and operating costs. At the same time, resilience increases, for example by eliminating error-prone handovers between systems.
In the opening phase, the partners focus on use in the food and consumer goods industry. However, the solution is designed to be transferable to other sectors. The joint solution will be presented for the first time at the industry trade fair Drinktec, from 15 to 19 September 2025 in Munich. At E80 Group's stand (Hall A6, Booth 442) visitors can learn about the technical details and potential applications. The Exotec team will also be on site to present the cooperation and
