People Behind New Robots at Dan Daniel Recognized as New Era Begins

Exchange Chief Information Officer Chad Lucas with robots. The robots guide merchandise pickers to the picking location and display the item information, including a description and image. The associate then loads the item onto the robot for shipping.

Thirteen Exchange associates received certificates of recognition, from senior leaders in IT and LG, for their roles in ensuring a smooth launch of the Logistics Autonomous Robotic Initiative (LARI) at the Dan Daniel Distribution Center (DDDC). 

Phase one of the $1.3 million initiative, which was more than a year in the making, went live Dec. 6 and is intended to increase productivity while assisting warehouse associates with order fulfillment. Robots, which were given names by DC associates such as RoboCop, Dr. Spock and Spidy Man, guide merchandise pickers to the picking location and display the item information, including a description and image. The associate then loads the item onto the robot for shipping.

Phase 2 of the project, which will focus primarily on e-commerce replenishment and stocking, will launch in February 2022.

Productivity for distribution center associates is expected to more than double with a projected five-year benefit of $5 million.

“A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into making this a reality,” said Exchange Chief Information Officer Chad Lucas. “Through the exceptional work and partnership of our IT and LG teams, along with our distribution center teammates, we were able to meet a tight project timeline and implement a system that has improved efficiency and productivity from day one and will pay dividends for years to come.”

Exchange associates recognized included:

Iesha Baskin, e-comm returns processor

Winsome Clark, quality assurance inspector I

Nannette Robinson, materials handler leader

Lashon Kelly, materials handler II

Selam Habteyesus, materials handler leader

Xahria-Sakura O Sharp, materials handler leader

Rodney Morgan, DDC facility manager

Shelly Reinert, DDDC operations manager

Bryson Wingo, logistics analyst senior

Larry Stoudemire, business process specialist

Swami Bhattar, systems analyst lead

David Young, chief, e-comm fulfillment

Ling Ngo, director of supply chain and LED programs

“The dedication and determination of these associates to see this project to the finish line were truly inspiring,” said Karen Stack, executive vice president and chief logistics officer. “The team’s efforts ensured a successful launch and set the Exchange up for success now and into the future.”

The Exchange leased 56 robots for DDDC. Twenty-one will be used year-round, and an additional 35 will be added in November and December to support peak selling demands.

Potential rollout of LARI to other Exchange distribution centers will be determined at a later date.