Zalando Deploys AI Robots to Solve E-Commerce’s “Shoebox Challenge”

BERLIN, GERMANY – March 19, 2026 – In a significant move to bolster its e-commerce dominance, European fashion giant Zalando is deploying a fleet of up to 50 AI-powered robots across its fulfillment network. The partnership with robotics firm Nomagic introduces a groundbreaking solution to one of the most persistent headaches in logistics: the automated handling of shoeboxes.

This initiative represents a major investment in smart automation, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, speeding up deliveries, and future-proofing the company's vast supply chain against the ever-increasing demands of online retail.

Cracking the Code on a Logistics Nightmare

For years, the simple shoebox has been a surprising stumbling block for warehouse automation. Their loose lids, varied sizes, and flimsy construction make them notoriously difficult for standard robotic arms to handle without causing spills or damage. This has traditionally left the task to human workers, creating a significant bottleneck in an otherwise increasingly automated process.

Nomagic's 'Shoebox Picker' technology, integrated into its robotic units affectionately named 'Richard,' is designed to conquer this very problem. The solution is a sophisticated synergy of software and hardware. Advanced computer vision, powered by Nomagic's "Physical AI," allows the robot to instantly recognize a shoebox's specific characteristics—including its size, orientation, and material. The system analyzes the data in real-time to determine the optimal picking technique.

Armed with this intelligence, the robot employs custom-engineered precision grippers. Instead of a simple top-down grasp, these grippers secure the box from two sides, applying just the right amount of pressure to keep the lid firmly in place during transit. This adaptability allows the system to handle over 98% of shoebox SKUs, even those placed vertically or horizontally in a bin, without needing them to be pre-sorted or sealed.

“Zalando has a great team we collaborate with, both on a project management level and in the warehouses. We highly value our partnership, their trust and especially their openness to implement the latest automation technology like the new Shoebox Picker,” said Kacper Nowicki, CEO and Co-Founder of Nomagic. “By combining the intelligence of AI with a physical system, it solves real-life physical challenges and turns one of the industry's biggest bottlenecks into a streamlined, automated process.”

A Strategic Push for Operational Excellence

The decision to scale this technology follows a highly successful pilot project where the robots achieved a staggering 100,000 picks per day. This demonstrated not only the viability of the technology but also its potential to dramatically increase throughput and accuracy. For Zalando, this is a critical component of a broader strategy focused on enhancing the customer experience through superior logistics.

The rollout is ambitious and pan-European in scope. The first units are already operational in Zalando’s centers in Lahr and Moenchengladbach, Germany, as well as Verona, Italy. Further deployments are scheduled for key hubs in Rotterdam (Netherlands), Stockholm (Sweden), Paris (France), and the company’s newest fulfillment center in Giessen, Germany.

“The testing phase with Nomagic proved that their robotics are an excellent fit for Zalando's logistics centres. Following the quick and successful deployment of the first ten units, we have decided to scale our partnership, gradually rolling out more robots as our network evolves,” said Marcus Daute, Vice President Logistics Network at Zalando. This investment aligns with the company's goal to achieve a new level of operational excellence that customers and business partners expect.

This move is reflective of a wider industry trend where automation is no longer a luxury but a necessity. The post-pandemic e-commerce boom has intensified pressure on supply chains, with customers expecting faster delivery and flawless service. By automating repetitive tasks like item-level picking and sorting, Zalando can reduce human error, operate around the clock, and build a more resilient and scalable logistics backbone.

The Evolving Role of the Warehouse Worker

The introduction of an advanced robotic workforce inevitably raises questions about the future of human jobs. Zalando's leadership is clear that the goal is not to replace employees but to augment their capabilities and evolve their roles.

“The sheer scale of our operations demands smart automation that works with our people, not alongside them. By delegating simple processes to AI-powered robots, we achieve the operational excellence our customers and business partners expect while supporting employees’ growth,” Daute explained.

The company's vision is to shift human workers away from physically demanding and repetitive tasks towards more complex and technical responsibilities. This includes roles in managing, monitoring, and maintaining the robotic fleet, troubleshooting systems, and overseeing the increasingly complex flow of goods. This transition represents a significant opportunity for employee upskilling, transforming the nature of warehouse work into a more technologically-focused career path. This human-robot collaborative model is seen as the key to unlocking new levels of productivity and creating a safer, more engaging work environment.

Building a Future-Proof Network

The investment in Nomagic's robotics is a cornerstone of Zalando's long-term strategy to create a flexible, technologically advanced, and cost-efficient logistics network. The company is undertaking a thorough review and evolution of its entire fulfillment infrastructure to meet future growth plans and customer expectations.

This involves not only investing in new technologies at key sites but also making difficult decisions to rightsize the network. The company has indicated that it will focus on state-of-the-art facilities that are best equipped to serve its 62 million active customers across Europe. This strategy aims to build a single, group-wide fulfillment capability over the next few years, ensuring a locally competitive customer experience and a sustainable cost base. By tackling complex automation challenges and optimizing its physical footprint, Zalando is positioning itself to lead in the next era of European e-commerce.