Walmart to Double Capacity with New Robotic System
In a strategic move aimed at optimizing operations, Walmart Superstores has unveiled plans for a substantial investment in cutting-edge automation technology at its Ottawa Distribution Center. This initiative forms part of the corporation's overarching strategy to modernize its supply chain infrastructure across all 42 regional distribution centers.
Upon completion, this ambitious project is poised to significantly enhance the efficiency of the Ottawa distribution hub, effectively doubling its capacity for case shipments compared to conventional centers. Concurrently, the deployment of advanced robotics and AI-driven systems will herald a paradigm shift in the nature of work within the facility, transitioning away from manual labor towards roles steeped in robotics and technological proficiency.
World’s Only Dock-to-Stock Solution with Autonomous Loading and Unloading Capabilities
Walmart Superstores announced that a multi-million-dollar investment in high-tech automation is set to be brought to the regional distribution center in Ottawa (Kansas). The move is part of the company’s broader initiative to renovate all 42 regional distribution centers as it continues to modernize its supply chain network.
Once the project is complete the distribution center will be able to ship nearly double the number of cases compared to a traditional center. Meanwhile, jobs that offer new skills in robotics and technology will replace the current manual jobs.
“Walmart’s Ottawa distribution center has been a pillar in our community for nearly 30 years. Adding robotics, automation and AI-powered software systems to this facility will revolutionize an already impressive operation, fundamentally changing the way we distribute products to stores,” said Tony Kildow, General Manager, Regional Distribution Center #6035, Walmart U.S. “This isn’t just an investment in our facility, but also in our associates, our community and our future.”
According to the worldwide chain of grocery stores, the launch of the new technology offers a chance for associates to upskill or grow their careers. New jobs will include automation, equipment operator and automation control center operator. The company will provide a comprehensive training program for those who wish to transition into the new roles.
“This move from what was a formerly manual role, into a tech-powered job, showcases the new opportunities for associates at Walmart,” said Catherine Ostrander, Human Resources Manager, Regional Distribution Center #6035. “Through our automation university training program, we are actively investing in our associates, empowering them to manage the advanced robotics technology that is transforming our operations.”
Walmart will purposefully evolve roles that involve manual labor and repetitive tasks to more tech-based roles which associates find to be more rewarding.
For example, Walmart said two of its most physically demanding roles in a traditional distribution center are trailer loaders and case lot order fillers. These will evolve into tech-powered jobs like automation equipment operators, automation control center operators and maintenance techs.
The company indicated that associates will now be responsible for interacting with robotic equipment, triaging alarms through machine interfaces and tending to equipment to make sure it performs at a high level. Additionally, technology has resulted in the need for more engineers, roles it hopes to help transition associates into by providing them with free skills training.
Walmart noted that regional distribution centers are part of its chain and exist to keep more than 4,700 stores stocked with merchandise, food items, home goods and tech gadgets. The technology in these centers automates what was formerly a physically demanding, manual process. It uses a combination of people, robotics and storage systems to increase retailers’ speed in sending merchandise to stores.
“The improvements we’re making in our Ottawa, Kansas distribution center will be felt by store associates and customers in the surrounding region,” said Terry Nannie, Regional General Manager, Southwest Operations, Walmart U.S. “For our store associates, these investments will make it significantly easier and faster to stock shelves, which results in our customers having the items they want when they want them.”
Walmart said it wants each associate to have a long career at the retailer and to help them accomplish that. While roles, responsibilities and skills of associates continue to evolve as customer needs do, it said it also continues to provide associates with online, in-person and on-site training to prepare them for in-demand roles.
New roles will combine technology and skills training to set associates up for success and provide the business with more stability. this will ultimately help retain experienced associates who have the expertise to meet customers’ needs now and in the future.
Walmart currently operates two distribution centers, two fulfillment centers, 144 retail stores and employs 22,207 associates in the Sunflower State.
