Gabor Shoes AG has implemented two TORU robots from Magazino in its warehouse in Mindelheim, Germany. The mobile robots will be automating Gabor’s shoe-picking process.
“We chose TORU because we were convinced by the combination of modern technology and high personal commitment from the Magazino team,” stated Armin Euler, head of controlling and logistics at Gabor.
Bavaria-based Gabor said it is one of Europe’s largest shoe manufacturers. In 2023, it sold 6.5 million pairs of shoes and brought in €322 million ($358.5 million U.S.).
The company wanted to automate order picking, a key fulfillment process, to match the high level of automation already present throughout its warehouse.
Magazino promises smooth implementation
The implementation of the TORU robots in Mindelheim went smoothly, said Gabor and Magazino. Following the contract signing, the companies began project delivery with a kick-off meeting.
Magazino completed commissioning, including IT integration, within approximately three months. The Munich-based company said this short time frame was made possible by Gabor’s already optimal storage conditions, which met all the requirements for the mobile picking robots.
The collaboration also allowed Gabor to quickly implement process changes to suit its unique requirements.
“During the commissioning of the TORUs in Mindelheim, Magazino’s robotics know-how met Gabor’s clear strategy for autonomous warehouse processes, which allowed the project team to work together efficiently and overcome typical challenges,” said Ruben Salz, project manager at Magazino.
“The rollout of TORU marks a further step into the future of logistics for Gabor, and Magazino has gained another customer that is already turning our vision of automated logistics into reality,” he added.
Gabor Shoes puts TORU to work
TORU works can be quickly integrated into existing warehouse environments, claimed Magazino. The autonomous mobile robot (AMR) can perceive its surroundings and operate safely alongside human staffers with the help of 3D cameras, sensors, and laser scanners.
At Gabor, its tasks consist of picking, transporting, and sorting shoe boxes of various sizes into a handover station, with a carrying capacity of up to 16 boxes in its “backpack.” The system transmits orders to TORU via a wireless connection to Gabor’s warehouse management system (WMS).
Magazino says the TORU robots in Mindelheim are operating at full capacity and handling an increasing number of orders in the picking process. The company said it’s optimistic about the future of its partnership with Gabor Shoes and looks forward to continued collaboration.
Founded in 2014, Magazino offers technology that enables logistics robots to operate alongside humans, intelligently navigate in warehouses, and pick and transport objects.
Its other mobile robot offering is SOTO, which it built for transporting materials directly to assembly lines in manufacturing facilities. Intralogistics systems provider Jungheinrich acquired Magazino last year.