North East-made ‘smart floor’ could revolutionise warehouses

A new robotics company based in Blyth, Northumberland, has developed a ‘smart floor’ that aims to boost efficiency in UK warehouses.

With plans to expand internationally, the VersaTile concept was conceived entirely in Blyth. The team hopes the company will become a significant employer in the region, offering the community new career opportunities in AI, software, technology development, engineering and manufacturing.

VersaTile is managed by a team from Tharsus Group – one of the UK’s largest advanced manufacturing companies – which has decades of experience delivering progressive automation solutions to a range of companies around the world, including Rolls Royce, Ocado and BMW.

VersaTile technology is an AI-powered modular automation system for fulfillment centers that revolutionizes the warehouse environment by moving products using a dynamic tiling system that knows exactly where goods are located and can instantly move materials, doubling productivity and requiring only half the space of traditional warehouse systems.

The system is also self-learning based on built-in artificial intelligence capabilities and can respond to unpredictable changes in real time without the need to make changes to existing infrastructure.

Joni Rautavuori, CEO of VersaTile, said: “Supply chains are under enormous pressure to meet ever-changing customer demands for shorter delivery times, greater flexibility and lower costs in a sustainable manner. The lack of productivity and workforce availability is compounding this challenge, particularly in the UK.

“Today’s warehouse operations are creaking under pressure and warehouse workers are under greater strain than ever. Having Wincanton, a leading UK supply chain company, as our launch customer demonstrates the credibility of the VersaTile technology and the confidence in our experienced team behind it.”