At the ProMat 2025 event, Ocado Intelligent Automation (OIA) introduced their latest innovation, the Porter Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR). This state-of-the-art robot is here to make warehouse operations smoother by automating tasks like cross-docking, putaway, and moving pallets. Jeff Larson, Director of Solutions Design at OIA, shared, “Porter from OIA takes over those repetitive, low-value tasks, boosting productivity and supporting our team by increasing case picking rates and automating high-volume inventory movement.”
Porter AMR is a game-changer for industries like e-commerce, retail, and healthcare. It helps them up their productivity game without relying on manual forklifts. Its intelligent system-directed software cuts down on travel time and keeps warehouse traffic flowing smoothly. By integrating with Ocado’s Fulfillment Execution System (FES), it optimizes picking routes and eliminates unnecessary steps, using smart machine learning algorithms to carefully plan pallet stacking and avoid damage.
Ocado, originally known for its automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) in the grocery sector, is now branching out with robotic solutions across various industries. In a strategic move, Ocado acquired 6 River Systems in 2023 for $12.7 million, a significant drop from the $450 million Shopify paid in 2019.
Key features of the Porter AMR include its precision in handling and transporting pallets, even when they’re positioned back-to-back, and its flexibility in managing cages. It can handle a payload of up to 3,300 pounds (1,500 kg) and transport two roll cages at once. Its dynamic task-switching software allows it to seamlessly switch between tasks as needed.
The advanced sensors in the Porter AMR can recognize various pallet types, including those from CHEP, GMA, and EPAL. Its compact design means it can operate in narrow lanes just 51 inches (1.3 meters) wide.
During ProMat, Ocado demonstrated how Porter integrates with existing warehouse systems like WES, WCS, and WMS. These integrations streamline complex order processing and automate pallet movements, ensuring smooth collaboration with robotic arms for palletizing and depalletizing tasks.
Porter’s advanced vision system lets it navigate autonomously without any need for infrastructure changes. It adjusts its speed to maintain safety around people and equipment, and it parks intelligently to reduce aisle congestion, allowing for smooth operations alongside human workers.
