Körber strengthens its supply-chain portfolio through a partnership with the Stuttgart-based robotics company Sereact. The aim of the collaboration is to integrate artificially intelligent pick-and-place solutions into existing automation architectures. By incorporating Sereact's technology, Körber responds to the growing demand for flexible, scalable systems for single-item picking.
"Our customers face the challenge of remaining competitive in a dynamic market. Therefore, demand for flexible, scalable automation solutions is growing. With Sereact's industry-leading technology, Körber can now offer advanced robot solutions for single-item picking – seamlessly integrated into our customers' operations," says Michiel Veenman, Vice President Advanced Technology Integration Körber Supply Chain Automation.
Ein erstes gemeinsames Projekt mit einem deutschen Maschinenbauunternehmen ist bereits gestartet.
Automation of piece-goods and single-item picking
The partnership is intended to help companies in dynamic markets make their logistics
processes more efficient, as stated. Especially in the area of piece-goods and single-item picking, traditional automation solutions reach their limits. Conventional systems are usually only able to handle a wide range of different items without prior training or individual programming. Sereact offers an alternative here: the AI-based technology can autonomously adapt to new products. According to the provider, it is immediately deployable, without the need for time-consuming training.
Shuttle systems, automated small parts warehouses (AKL) and mobile robots
For Körber, the integration of Sereact solutions means an expansion of its own supply-chain ecosystem. This already includes a variety of automation technologies, including shuttle systems, automated small-parts warehouses (AKL) and mobile robots. Sereact's systems can be integrated into this infrastructure. According to Körber, this would create a seamless, one-stop solution from a
single source, with which logistics processes can be scaled flexibly and on demand. Companies could thereby reduce operating costs, optimize personnel deployment and increase productivity.
A key advantage of Sereact technology lies in its ability to analyze visual and object-related data in real time. Based on this information, the system dynamically adapts the grasping strategy. As a result, unknown, deformed or hard-to-grasp objects could also be picked. This opens up new possibilities for industries with frequently changing product ranges or high requirements for flexibility.
AI gives robots visual perception and motor capabilities
The solution was developed by the Stuttgart-based startup Sereact, founded in 2021 by Ralf Gulde (CEO) and Marc Tuscher (CTO). The company specializes in so-called "Embodied AI" – a form of artificial intelligence that gives robots both visual perception
and motor decision-making capability.
The systems from Sereact are capable of autonomously developing strategies for physical tasks. They detect anomalies, manage complex handling situations, and continuously optimize their workflows. The technology is already in use in Europe and the United States, particularly in logistics and manufacturing.
Der auf E-Fulfillment spezialisierte Logistikdienstleister Active Ants etwa setzt an seinem Standort in Dorsten, Nordrhein-Westfalen, auf eine KI-gesteuerte Kommissionierlösung von Sereact. Das System überzeugte in einem mehrmonatigen Testbetrieb offenbar durch hohe Zuverlässigkeit und nahtlose Integration in bestehende Prozesse. Ausschlaggebend für die Entscheidung sei die Kombination aus technischer Leistungsfähigkeit und der Fähigkeit zur autonomen Anpassung an eine wachsende Produktvielfalt gewesen. Das System läuft bei Active Ants seit Juli 2025 im Regelbetrieb. Eine Ausweitung des Einsatzes auf internationale Standorte in den Niederlanden, Belgien, Frankreich und Großbritannien sei
