Ocado's Cardboard Containers Revolutionize 'The Hive' Warehouse Safety and Efficiency
Ocado, the online supermarket, has patented a 'nypost' new design for cardboard containers that could revolutionise their automated warehouse system, 'The Hive'. The innovation promises improved fire safety and reduced costs.
Ocado's new patent (WO2025036879A1) proposes using cellulose, or cardboard, containers instead of the traditional plastic ones. This shift addresses a significant shortcoming of existing systems, as plastic containers pose fire risks and require specialized extinguishing systems.
The redesigned containers better integrate with Ocado's grid system, delivery robots, and stacks of containers. This improves modularity, handling efficiency, and space utilization compared to previous solutions. Moreover, the new containers can be extinguished by sprinkler systems, reducing damage, toxic fumes, and cleanup time in case of a fire.
Ocado's competitor, Autostore, currently uses metal containers to mitigate fire risks. However, this approach comes at a higher cost and weight. Ocado's innovation offers a more cost-effective and efficient 'news' solution.
Ocado's patent claims the entire storage and retrieval system incorporating the grid, bots, and stacks of cardboard containers. The European Patent Office has found an Autostore patent application published before Ocado's, also mentioning cardboard containers. Despite this, Ocado may still obtain patent cover for the specific design of their cardboard containers. This innovation could significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of Ocado's automated warehouse picking system, OSRS, which is a significant revenue stream for the Ocado Group.
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