H-E-B is planning to use Swisslog robots to improve its curbside delivery services through the use of micro-fulfillment centers.

As the coronavirus pandemic has impacted how people go about their daily lives, curbside grocery pickup has experienced major growth. In an effort to improve curbside pickup, without negatively impacting the in-store expense, H-E-B is turning to robotics.

The goal is to create a number of automated micro-fulfillment centers to meet customers needs. As an added benefit, because of their smaller footprint, it should be possible to place micro-fulfillment centers closer to neighborhoods, making it easer and faster for customers to pick up their groceries.

“Swisslog is pleased H-E-B put their trust in us to automate and support their facilities with state-of-the-art automation and software,” said Mitch Hayes, vice president of e-commerce and retail, Swisslog Logistics Automation, Americas. “COVID-19 and anticipated behavioral changes have created increased urgency around the need for automation within many grocery operations. E-grocery automation is no longer an option…it’s a requirement for survival and continued growth.”