- Ocado is expanding its partnership with Japan’s Aeon by building a third robotic warehouse in Kuki-Miyashiro, Saitama, set to open in 2027.
- The partnership will also upgrade Aeon’s live operations with Ocado’s “On-Grid Robotic Pick” technology, aimed at increasing labour productivity.
OUR TAKE
The latest move by Ocado and Aeon to build a third robotic warehouse in Japan marks a bold leap forward in automated retail. The partnership highlights a growing trend: Traditional supermarkets must adapt or die in the face of relentless technological progress. While Ocado’s vision is ambitious, it must tread a fine line between innovation and social responsibility, with the best use of AI not causing massive job losses.
–Jasmine Zhang, BTW reporter
What happened
British online supermarket and technology group Ocado announced on Monday it will enhance its partnership with Japan’s Aeon by building a third robotic warehouse in Kuki-Miyashiro, Saitama prefecture, set to go live in 2027. This expansion follows Ocado’s exclusive partnership with Aeon established in 2019. The first customer fulfilment centre (CFC) opened in Chiba-city last year, serving the Kanto region, with a second CFC in Hachioji scheduled to open in 2026.
This development is a positive move for Ocado after its Canadian partner, Sobeys, paused the opening of a fourth robotic warehouse, causing a slump in Ocado shares. The expanded partnership will also see Aeon upgrade its live operations with Ocado’s latest technologies, including the “On-Grid Robotic Pick,” which is expected to significantly enhance labour productivity.
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Why it’s important
Ocado’s latest move to build a third robotic warehouse in Japan with Aeon signals a bold leap forward in the world of automated retail. This partnership highlights a growing trend: traditional supermarkets must adapt or perish in the face of relentless technological advancement.
By integrating robotics, Ocado is not just enhancing efficiency but also redefining the shopping experience. Imagine a future where your groceries are picked and packed by machines with unparalleled precision, reducing human error and boosting productivity.
Yet, this shift raises important questions about the future of employment in retail. As robots take over repetitive tasks, what happens to the workforce? Ocado’s vision is ambitious, but it must navigate the fine line between innovation and social responsibility. This collaboration with Aeon is a testament to the transformative power of technology, pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo in the retail industry. Will others follow suit, or be left behind?
