LocusBot Origin

Overview

The Locus Robotics LocusBot Origin is a collaborative order-picking AMR that operates on a co-bot model, guiding human pickers through the warehouse via an intuitive screen interface while autonomously navigating between pick locations. With a 68 kg payload, an 8-hour runtime, and a 1.8 m/s operating speed, Origin is designed for e-commerce and retail fulfilment environments where order volumes fluctuate and operational flexibility is paramount. The system requires no changes to existing racking or floor layout, making it one of the lower-barrier AMR deployments available.

Key Specifications

• Payload: 68 kg
• Runtime: 8 hours
• Speed: 1.8 m/s
• Navigation: LiDAR-based SLAM (no floor infrastructure required)
• Deployment model: Available (subscription and capital purchase options)

Locus uses a cloud-based orchestration platform called LocusONE that handles multi-bot coordination, wave planning, and real-time throughput optimisation. The system supports multi-client and multi-zone configurations within a single facility, which is particularly useful for 3PL operators managing complex contractual requirements.

Use Cases

Origin suits mid-to-large fulfilment operations in apparel, health and beauty, general merchandise, and pharmaceutical categories. UK 3PL operators and own-account retailers have deployed Locus systems to handle peak trading periods (such as Black Friday and Christmas) with flexible fleet scaling, adding or removing bots via the subscription model without capital commitment.

WMS integration supports Blue Yonder, Manhattan Associates, and SAP, with API connectors for other platforms. Average productivity gains in documented deployments range from 2x to 3x picks per operator hour compared with unaided walk-and-pick.

Buying Used

Used LocusBot units are available through secondary logistics equipment markets, but software licensing and LocusONE cloud connectivity are subscription-based and tied to the original operator's account. Any used purchase should include a formal software transfer agreement with Locus Robotics. Verify that the unit's firmware is current before committing to a purchase, as older software versions may not be supported.

Alternatives to Consider

• 6 River Systems Chuck for a similar collaborative picking model with Shopify Logistics backing
• Geek+ P800 for goods-to-person picking if structural changes are acceptable
• Zebra Technologies FetchCart for heavier transport alongside collaborative picking