Previewing Array: A Warehouse Automation Milestone

I wanted to reflect on a quick story as Locus marks a “milestone moment” this week.

Mike Johnson, Al Dekin, Sean Johnson, and Bruce Welty founded Quiet Logistics, a third- party logistics provider in Devens, Massachusetts. They were among the first 3PLs to automate fulfillment centers using robots from Kiva Systems.

However, the team faced a significant turning point when Amazon acquired Kiva in March 2012 and subsequently discontinued support for external customers. Forced to pivot, they began developing their own robot, laying the foundation for what would become Locus Robotics. That was 13 years ago.

My journey with Locus began nine years ago during an unforgettable initial encounter with our robots. The setting was a modest corner of Quiet Logistics. The team invited me for a demonstration as part of my interview process for the CEO role in 2016.

At that time, only two of the three robots were operational, and their navigation was, to put it mildly, less than perfect. Witnessing this early stage of automation firsthand, I couldn't help but ask, “Why don't you just put an arm on it?”

The team exchanged knowing smiles and replied, "Rick, that's the 'holy grail,' but it's tough. Technology, BOM costs, battery life, expertise, and capital stand in the way.” Yet, beneath these considerable challenges was a palpable optimism and an unwavering belief that a fully automated AMR was within reach.

Fast-forward nearly a decade, an impressive collection of patents, and almost 5 billion picks later, we can now turn that early vision into reality.

Array: A Breakthrough in Warehouse Automation

We were proud to preview Locus Array last week at LogiMat in Stuttgart, Germany, and at ProMat in Chicago today. We're showcasing Array in private meetings to provide a tailored, in-depth experience for selected customers, prospects, and partners.

We are overbooked for private meetings at ProMat, but Array will be formally launched later this year, along with announcements of limited and general availability dates.

Array is the industry’s most advanced AI-powered, zero-touch fulfillment system. It eliminates over 90% of manual labor for picking, putaway, and returns. It’s engineered with flexible high-density storage, providing ultra-efficient order picking at an unmatched cost per pick. Unlike traditional automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), Array can be deployed in weeks — not months or years.

Array is unique in its ability to pick and consolidate multiple orders simultaneously within the aisle while providing the unmatched flexibility for which Locus is known. As Array operates on the LocusONE™ platform, any orders containing items that Array cannot pick can be automatically passed to an Origin or Vector. It’s “collaboration as one!”

Array leverages the latest advances in AI vision technology. It harnesses foundational models trained on extensive, real-world datasets, delivering exceptional accuracy, continuous learning, and operational efficiency at scale.

It also leverages the latest advances in physical AI, which means Array can learn, adapt, and make smart decisions. This allows customers to handle picking and putaway tasks more effectively, delivering higher throughput, lower operational costs, and unmatched flexibility.

Array is genuinely the most innovative AMR ever built in the world — and that's not an exaggeration.

Innovation from LocusLABS

Array showcases the power of continuous innovation from LocusLABS, our dedicated R&D division. I invite you to stop by our booth at ProMat (S2703) and explore all innovations from LocusLABS, including:

• AI Object Detection & Avoidance – Advanced perception AI enables Locus robots to recognize and react intelligently to warehouse assets.
• System-Directed Labor Optimization – AI-driven optimization engine that intelligently directs associates to the next best task, increasing productivity.
• AI-Powered Simulation & Workflow Optimization – Adding the ability to test and refine warehouse layouts and workflows before implementation.
• RFID-Based Inventory Accuracy – Integrating RFID technology to deliver greater accuracy for real-time order validation and inventory tracking.
• Large-Item & Non-Conveyable Automation – Flexible large-item conveyance, picking, and putaway, enabling automation beyond traditional, fixed conveyor-based workflows.
• Humanoid Collaboration with Reflex Robotics – Locus and Reflex Robotics are exploring humanoids' potential to augment warehouse automation workflows such as induction, putaway, and more.

Innovation alone isn't enough. It must translate into real-world impact for our customers. That's the core mission of LocusLABS.

Our commitment to customer-driven innovation has established Locus as the market leader, deploying over 15,000 robots across more than 350 sites in 19 countries — trusted by the world’s most iconic brands.

One Final Automation Milestone

Walking around Promat today, I was struck by the sheer scale and pace of innovation within the robotics and automation industry. A decade ago, Locus was among just a handful of automation pioneers at this event. Fast forward to today, and the industry has transformed dramatically, with cutting-edge warehouse automation solutions empowering customers to overcome their toughest operational challenges.

I suggest exploring innovations showcased by industry leaders like AutoStore, Exotec, Geekplus, Brightpick, Hai Robotics, Reflex Robotics, Agility Robotics, Ambi Robotics, RightHand Robotics, Movu Robotics, Dematic, Honeywell Intelligrated, Zebra Technologies, Bastian Solutions, Vanderlande, Raymond, Attabotics, Berkshire Grey, Boston Dynamics, Element Logic, GreyOrange, Infios, Ocado, Peak Technologies, Pickle Robotics, Fox Robotics, Robust.ai, Swisslog, Softeon, Blue Yonder, Manhattan, and many others.

Of course, please remember to visit Locus Robotics at booth 2703 in the South Hall — we’d love to show you what's next. We host live demonstrations, interactive experiences, and expert-led presentations, providing an exclusive look at the next generation of AI-powered warehouse automation.