Arvato will have its own stand there, where logistics experts from the Tech, Consumer Products and Healthcare divisions will be available to talk about the joint research project with Microsoft and the new challenges in supply chain management.

Robotics, digitalization and AI for a self-managing warehouse

"We launched the Moonshot project with Microsoft in March, with the ambitious goal of creating an autonomous warehouse," says Paul Brolly, Vice President of Global Business Development at Arvato. "Our approach is to examine various warehouse processes in order to automate and improve them through robotics, digitalization and AI. The focus is not just on individual processes. In future, AI could create the initial overall warehouse layout for new orders based on customer requirements, which we then refine with our expertise. This approach saves time and effort."

As Arvato's technology partner, Microsoft plays a key role in this initiative. "Microsoft's expertise in data platforms, computing capacities, genetic AI predictions, computer vision, augmented reality and cognitive services such as speech recognition and text analysis is crucial for the implementation of our vision of a self-managed warehouse," emphasizes Paul Brolly.

Optimization of picking routes and AI for transport complaints

Arvato can already demonstrate practical applications of the Mooshoot project: One use case is the optimization of picking routes by using AI to reorganize work orders through rapid data analysis, improving navigation for pickers. Another use case is the AI-driven interpretation of carrier responses to transportation complaints. The AI smart layer interprets these responses and independently triggers corresponding actions in the complaint management tool. This frees up resources, as manual complaint processing can be reduced to three to four percent. The official presentation of the Moonshot research project by Arvato and Microsoft will take place as part of the presentation session "The Self-Managing Future Warehouse - An Innovation by Microsoft & Arvato" on June 12 at 1:20 p.m. on Stage 2, Level P0 of the International Barcelona Convention Center. Visitors can obtain further information during the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium at the Arvato stand 218.