In this insightful episode of our podcast, Logistics Business Conversations, host Peter Macleod is joined by Andy Ingram, Vice President of Advanced Technology at Ocado Intelligent Automation. Together, they explore the evolution of Ocado from an online grocery retailer to a global pioneer in warehouse automation and the future of fulfilment automation.
Andy shares the remarkable story of how Ocado’s early warehouse systems—like their monorail pick-and-pack setup—were replaced through bold decisions and fast learning. From conveyor-based systems with major points of failure to today’s fully fault-tolerant, modular storage and retrieval grid powered by “naked bots,” the conversation dives deep into the transformative power of technology, simulation, and in-house innovation.
Key highlights include
The journey from Ocado’s early automation failures to cutting-edge proprietary tech
The development of the Ocado Storage and Retrieval System and its global rollout
Why Ocado runs its own tech and how this operational insight fuels innovation
The shift toward “lights-out” warehouses and additive manufacturing (3D printing) to create lighter, faster, more efficient robots
Insights on flexibility, scalability, and KPIs businesses should measure when adopting automation
The importance of simulation and data modeling to design high-throughput, fault-tolerant systems
How Ocado is addressing labor challenges by upskilling workers and simplifying robotic systems
A look ahead at the future of logistics automation—including exciting technologies like subassembly 3D printing
Whether you’re a logistics professional, automation enthusiast, or just curious about the future of fulfilment, this episode delivers a fascinating glimpse into what’s next for warehouse operations around the world.
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