Zoom by Ocado is launching its fourth site, the first outside of London as it looks to expand its rapid grocery delivery service.
Rolling out today (24 November), the newest location will be based in Leeds, with a purpose built, automated warehouse in Hunslet.
Inside the facility will be 70 robots operating on a grid, using an ‘air traffic control style’ system and communicating using 4G technology, as well as travelling at speeds of up to four metres per second.
All products will be picked and packed by the robots, while humans will assemble the final orders before being sent out for delivery.
As a result of the expansion, 130 new jobs have been created, while Ocado is predicting up to 10,000 orders per week from Leeds residents.
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“Ocado is famed for its world-leading technology, and we’re delighted to be bringing our rapid grocery app to the city of Leeds as our service expands outside of London,” Zoom by Ocado director, George Dean said.
“As well as offering mountains of choice to our customers delivered in under an hour – including Ocado’s great value Own Range, delicious M&S food, big name brands and local suppliers – we’re also dedicated to being a positive addition to the local community.
“As part of this pledge, we’ll be supporting Magic Breakfast and Rethink Food, a local food education charity, which aims to remove hunger as a barrier to learning.”
The online-only supermarket will be making regular donations of food and drink products to Magic Breakfast as well as to Rethink, which will be distributed to the charity’s network.
Dean added: “Deliveries will be made using a range of electric vehicles including e-trikes and e-mopeds, and shopping will arrive in recyclable bags. This technology will also help maintain Ocado’s market leading low levels of food waste.”
