© DB Schenker

DB Schenker and Gideon Brothers have announced the global logistics company's investment in the Croatian robotics and AI solutions start-up. DB Schenker is participating as one of the investors in the Series A financing round totaling USD 31 million, which will be used to advance the development and commercialization of autonomous mobile robots (AMR) based on artificial intelligence and 3D vision. The technology has already been introduced in DB Schenker's warehouse in Leipzig. Xavier Garijo, Member of the Management Board for Contract Logistics at DB Schenker, will join the Board of Directors of Gideon Brothers.

"This investment in the development of autonomous mobile robots once again underlines DB Schenker's commitment to being at the forefront of innovation. Our partnership with Gideon Brothers gives us access to world-class robotics and intelligent material handling solutions. We have already developed real applications in the inbound and outbound processes of our warehouses in cooperation with Gideon Brothers. We see the enormous range of possibilities and are excited to use this technology to create the 'warehouse of the future' for our customers. Together with Gideon Brothers, we want to rethink and revolutionize logistics business models," says Xavier Garijo.

Matija Kopić, CEO of Gideon Brothers, said: "The pandemic has greatly accelerated the introduction of intelligent automation. We are ready to meet the unprecedented market demand. The best way to do this is to bring our own solutions together with those of our largest and most demanding customers. Our partners are facing real challenges that our robots can already solve, and together we are now seizing the opportunity to help some of the world's most innovative companies evolve with the help of our robots."

Gideon Brothers specializes in the flexible automation of horizontal and vertical material handling processes for logistics, warehousing, manufacturing and retail. Advanced mobile robots and complete software solutions for autonomous indoor and outdoor operations help companies meet the challenges of complex supply chains: rising customer expectations, increasing product variability and logistics volumes, a growing variety of distribution channels and, finally, the shortage of skilled labor.

AMRs make processes and workflows more efficient and productive. Tasks that add little value, such as the transportation, collection or provision of products, are relieved. This frees up manpower for tasks that add more value to operations. DB Schenker has already introduced autonomous robots from Gideon Brothers at its Leipzig site and is thus relying on the flexible solution for existing warehouses, where it can increase productivity without requiring conversion measures.

According to a recent study by ABI Research, the global market for mobile robotics will grow to 158.6 billion US dollars by 2030. By then, there will be more than 15 million autonomous mobile robots in the world. Around 90% of these machines will have their own visual perception.

The Series A funding round is led by Koch Disruptive Technologies (KDT), the venture and growth arm of Koch Industries, Inc. Gideon Brothers will add two industry veterans to its Board of Directors: Annant Patel, Director, KDT, and Xavier Garijo, Chief Contract Logistics Officer,
DB Schenker.