The Challenge
With more than 2.2 million square feet of warehouse space across five facilities, Motivational Fulfillment & Logistics Services needed to maintain high service levels as fulfillment complexity and seasonal demand increased. Scaling labor to meet peak volumes was becoming increasingly difficult, while physically demanding workflows created additional concerns around associate fatigue, injuries, and retention.
The company needed a flexible automation solution that could increase productivity and throughput without requiring extensive facility modifications or continued increases in headcount.
The Solution
Motivational Fulfillment & Logistics Services deployed Locus Robotics autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to reduce associate travel and support more efficient picking workflows. Locus robots mapped the facilities within days and integrated with existing WMS systems via API, allowing Motivational to introduce automation without costly facility redesigns or operational downtime.
Two sites moved from project kickoff to full operation in just four to six weeks. Associates could begin working with the robots after 10 minutes or less of on-site training, while Motivational’s Continuous Improvement and Operations teams worked with Locus Robotics to optimize pick zones, travel paths, and workflows.
The Results
With Locus Robotics, Motivational Fulfillment & Logistics Services increased productivity by 61% while reducing manpower requirements by 20% and improving order accuracy. The operation also achieved double-digit gains in picks per hour and increased throughput without adding headcount.
The impact extended to the workforce. By reducing walking and other physically demanding work, Motivational lowered associate fatigue and injury rates while creating new opportunities for employees to support and manage automation. These improvements contributed to stronger retention while giving the operation greater flexibility to respond to changing fulfillment volumes.
Locus Robotics is more than a vendor, it’s a strategic partner helping us scale intelligently, empower our people, and keep our promise of high-quality service and operational excellence.