Published on: March 23, 2025 / Updated on: March 23, 2025 – Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
The Skypod® system is an automated storage and order picking system that follows the "goods-to-person" approach. Skypod robots transport items from the shelves directly to employees at ergonomic picking stations – Image: Exotec
Future projects 2025: The new era of warehouse automation in the USA
A technological masterpiece in the logistics industry
The automation of warehouses through robotics is fundamentally changing the logistics landscape in the US state of Georgia. With several large-scale projects planned for 2025, Georgia is becoming a hub for warehouse automation in the US. The most notable developments include a massive deployment of over 450 robots at the Oxford Industries distribution center, humanoid robot trials at GXO Logistics, and a $144 million project by GreenBox Systems, all designed to revolutionize the efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of warehouse operations.
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The Oxford Industries Project: A milestone in warehouse automation
Oxford Industries, owner of well-known apparel brands such as Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, and Johnny Was, has announced a partnership with warehouse robotics provider Exotec to automate a new, large distribution center in Lyons, Georgia. This collaboration marks Exotec's largest and most complex robot deployment to date.
Scope and scale of the project
The new facility, spanning over 560,000 square feet (approximately 52,025 square meters), will be equipped with Exotec's Next Generation Skypod system . This system will consist of over 450 robots and more than 450,000 storage locations. The impressive scale of the project underscores the trend toward large-scale automation solutions in the logistics industry.
The distribution center is designed to process more than 20 million units annually, highlighting the enormous capacity and performance of the robotic system. The facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2025 and will play a crucial role in Oxford Industries' future business operations.
Mark Kirby, Senior Vice President of Operations at Oxford Industries, emphasizes the strategic importance of this investment: “This new warehouse, with convenient access to ports in the southeastern US, is supported by Exotec’s Next Generation Skypod system and ensures best-in-class throughput capacity for direct-to-consumer sales for our brands.”.
Integration and functionality
The Next Generation Skypod system will serve as the picking engine for the entire warehouse. Exotec will integrate its hardware and software with third-party machines to provide end-to-end warehouse automation. This integration supports various processes such as receiving, unpacking, sorting, packing, and shipping.
A notable aspect of the system is its ability to handle returns effectively. It significantly reduces the time and labor required for inspecting, sorting, and storing returned items, and streamlines the process of making them available for resale.
The technology behind the Skypod system
Exotec's Next Generation Skypod system represents a significant advancement in warehouse automation technology, offering improved performance, increased storage density, and advanced software features.
Technical features and performance
The updated version of the Skypod system includes a new, more compact Skypod robot, a robot-to-robot picking workstation, a high-performance exchanger, and denser storage. These innovations increase throughput at a single workstation by 50%, while storage density is increased by up to 30% compared to the previous generation.
The system enables the picking of up to 600 containers per hour at each station and access to any storage unit within two minutes. Vertical space utilization is maximized by racking that can reach a height of up to 45 feet (14 meters).
Multifunctional capabilities
A key differentiator of the Next Generation Skypod system is its ability to handle both single and case picking, enabling Exotec to better meet multi-channel requirements with a single solution. The system also supports several value-added logistics functions that traditionally require external equipment and complex subsystems.
These functions include:
- Integrated buffer: The system handles buffering within the plant, without requiring additional external storage areas.
- Precise output sequencing: The system ensures accurate sequencing before order release, utilizing robots and the exchanger.
- Simplified processes: Reducing the number of fulfillment steps minimizes touchpoints during the ordering process and improves accuracy.
Other robotics initiatives in Georgia
Besides the Oxford Industries project, there are other significant developments in robot automation in Georgia that underline the increasing importance of this technology for the state's logistics industry.
GXO Logistics and the humanoid robot “Digit”
GXO Logistics is testing a humanoid robot called “Digit” at its facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia. This robot, manufactured by Agility Robotics, a startup from Corvallis, Oregon, represents a different approach to warehouse automation than the Skypod systems.
Digit is 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs 140 pounds, and can carry up to 35 pounds. Its battery currently lasts about two hours, with this runtime expected to double in the production model.
The robot's humanoid form allows it to work in spaces designed for humans. Its two feet enable it to step over objects, and its two arms allow it to grasp things. Operating costs for the robot are currently around $10 to $12 per hour, but these costs are expected to decrease to $2 to $3 per hour plus software overhead as production increases.
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GreenBox Systems: AI-powered warehousing services
Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that GreenBox Systems LLC will invest $144 million in a new distribution center in Jackson, Georgia. This project is expected to create more than 300 new jobs in Butts County.
GreenBox's automated distribution center will be located in "The Cubes at RiverPark" in Jackson, Georgia, and will encompass approximately 1 million square feet. The facility will employ automation operators and managers, forklift drivers, material handling workers, shipping and receiving staff, logistics coordinators, and maintenance technicians, along with AI technology, to serve retailers in the region.
Vikas J. Parekh, Managing Partner at SoftBank Investment Advisers and board member of GreenBox, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “GreenBox is excited to bring AI-powered warehousing services to Georgia and to help increase the efficiency, accuracy and security of the supply chain in a capital-efficient manner.”.
Trends in warehouse automation
The current developments in Georgia reflect broader trends in warehouse automation that are shaping the future of the logistics industry.
Variety of robot systems
Warehouse automation encompasses a growing variety of robot types and systems:
- Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS): Systems like Exotec's Skypod simplify warehouse processes by reducing the need for additional equipment and saving space, time and costs.
- Humanoid robots: Besides Digit, there are other humanoid robots such as Tesla's Optimus and Boston Dynamics' Atlas robot, which offer new possibilities for human-like automation.
- Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs): Companies such as Standard Bots, Amazon Robotics, Boston Dynamics and GreyOrange offer AMR solutions that can eliminate the need for walking in large warehouses.
AI Integration and Orchestration
The integration of artificial intelligence is a key trend in modern warehouse automation:
- Orchestration platforms: Companies like GreyOrange offer AI-powered platforms such as GreyMatter that can integrate and coordinate different types of robots.
- Real-time optimization: Modern systems continuously optimize fulfillment performance in real time to process the right orders with the right robots and/or employees who take the right route and perform the right action.
- Data-driven decision-making: AI systems can analyze data to make decisions that improve warehouse performance and reduce operating costs.
Economic and labor market impacts
The increasing automation of warehouses in Georgia has significant economic implications and is changing the employment landscape in the region.
Job creation and transformation
While automation is often associated with job losses, the current projects in Georgia are actually creating new employment opportunities:
- GreenBox Systems plans to create more than 300 new jobs in Butts County, including positions for automation operators and managers, forklift drivers, material handling workers, shipping and receiving staff, logistics coordinators, and maintenance technicians.
- New skill requirements: Automation is shifting the focus from manual tasks to more technical roles that include monitoring, maintenance, and optimization of robotic systems.
Oxford Industries emphasizes that the new plant will “increase the productivity of the existing workforce”, suggesting that automation is seen as complementing human labor rather than as a complete replacement.
Economical advantages
The automation projects bring significant economic benefits to Georgia:
- Capital investments: GreenBox Systems is investing $144 million in its new distribution center, while Oxford Industries is making a “major investment” in its expanded facility in Toombs County.
- Efficiency improvements: According to GreyOrange, their solutions can reduce CPU usage by 45%, increase warehouse productivity by 2-4 times, and guarantee 99% on-time deliveries.
- Regional Development: Governor Brian P. Kemp highlighted that “innovative job creators in every industry continue to choose Georgia,” and pointed to “world-class educational institutions, incredible workforce development initiatives like Georgia MATCH and Georgia Quick Start, and our partnership approach.”.
Transformation of the logistics industry: Georgia's technological leadership
The automation of warehouses in Georgia by hundreds of robots marks a significant turning point in the logistics industry. With projects like Exotec's 450-robot deployment for Oxford Industries, GXO Logistics' humanoid robot trials, and GreenBox Systems' AI-powered initiative, the state is positioning itself at the forefront of this technological revolution.
These developments promise significant improvements in the efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of warehousing operations. At the same time, they create new types of jobs and drive economic development in the region.
As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more sophisticated robotic systems, deeper AI integration, and more comprehensive automation solutions. The current projects in Georgia are just the beginning of a broader transformation of the logistics landscape that will ultimately redefine how goods are stored, picked, and delivered to consumers.
For Georgia, this development means not only technological progress, but also economic growth and the creation of jobs with higher qualification requirements that will shape the future of work in the region.
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