Technology is everywhere these days, and it looks like Coles is taking a leap into the future that has us feeling like we've stepped right into a science fiction story.

Coles is going all-in with a massive transformation by introducing a futuristic automated warehouse that will have cutting-edge, high-speed robots. Yes, you read that correctly—robots!

It's Australia's first automated supermarket distribution centre, and it's set to be a modern marvel nestled in the heart of Redbank, Brisbane.

With a towering height of 35 metres and a floor plan double the size of the MCG playing field, it's like a superstore in itself. Inside, you'll find a treasure trove of all the essential supermarket items you can think of.

But that's not all! These goods are destined for an exciting adventure. They'll embark on a journey to reach over 200 Coles stores spread across Queensland and NSW, revolutionising how we shop for groceries. It's a whole new era of grocery shopping, and this warehouse is at the heart of it all.

Coles will soon have an automated warehouse replacing human packers with complex machines. Credit: Shutterstock.

Coles claims this automated leap could lead to lower grocery prices. How, you might wonder? Well, items are processed through a conveyor-belt system, where a sophisticated sorting and packing system determines the ideal configuration for stacking products onto each grocery store's order pallet.

Software and robotics systems accumulate details about each product, replacing the traditional process. This system can identify the best method to process items quickly, accurately, and with less damage than a human. You must admit, it's pretty fascinating how times change!

'In automation, we're more accurate in products we pick, we have fewer damages, we're able to build the pallets better,' said Kevin Gunn, Coles Executive General Manager of Operations Strategy & Transformation.

'The system knows how much it weighs, how big it is, and what the crushability is.' It seems these machines will do all the heavy lifting, saving over 18 million kilograms of manual labour each week.

Now, we know some of you will think, what about jobs? Will these robots and machines take jobs away from people? Coles has reassured the public that this diligent army of robots won't lead to job losses; quite the contrary.

'We've never had more jobs in Coles,' Chief Operating Officer Matt Swindle shared. 'We have over 130,000 team members at the moment. It was 117,000 three years ago.'

Although this futuristic centre is the first of its kind in Australia, more are expected to follow its lead. There are plans to launch a similar warehouse in Sydney next year, followed by opening two customer fulfilment centres, brought to fruition in partnership with Ocado.

Key Takeaways

• Coles has launched Australia's first automated distribution centre in Brisbane, which will replace human packers with machines.
• The new system is expected to process items faster and more accurately, to reduce the price of groceries.
• Despite concerns about job losses, Coles ensures there will not be job cuts, citing the employment increase in recent years.
• The company plans to open more automated centres in Sydney and two customer fulfilment centres with Ocado.

This technological leap is a game-changer for Coles, and it might just revolutionise our shopping experience and even bring down those grocery costs.

So, folks, what are your thoughts on this development? Are you thrilled about the idea of robots and machines packing your groceries? We'd love to hear your take on it, so drop your comments below!

 

[Ricki]

Technology is everywhere these days, and it looks like Coles is taking a leap into the future that has us feeling like we've stepped right into a science fiction story.

Coles is going all-in with a massive transformation by introducing a futuristic automated warehouse that will have cutting-edge, high-speed robots. Yes, you read that correctly—robots!

It's Australia's first automated supermarket distribution centre, and it's set to be a modern marvel nestled in the heart of Redbank, Brisbane.

With a towering height of 35 metres and a floor plan double the size of the MCG playing field, it's like a superstore in itself. Inside, you'll find a treasure trove of all the essential supermarket items you can think of.

But that's not all! These goods are destined for an exciting adventure. They'll embark on a journey to reach over 200 Coles stores spread across Queensland and NSW, revolutionising how we shop for groceries. It's a whole new era of grocery shopping, and this warehouse is at the heart of it all.

View attachment 23556

Coles will soon have an automated warehouse replacing human packers with complex machines. Credit: Shutterstock.

Coles claims this automated leap could lead to lower grocery prices. How, you might wonder? Well, items are processed through a conveyor-belt system, where a sophisticated sorting and packing system determines the ideal configuration for stacking products onto each grocery store's order pallet.

Software and robotics systems accumulate details about each product, replacing the traditional process. This system can identify the best method to process items quickly, accurately, and with less damage than a human. You must admit, it's pretty fascinating how times change!

'In automation, we're more accurate in products we pick, we have fewer damages, we're able to build the pallets better,' said Kevin Gunn, Coles Executive General Manager of Operations Strategy & Transformation.

'The system knows how much it weighs, how big it is, and what the crushability is.' It seems these machines will do all the heavy lifting, saving over 18 million kilograms of manual labour each week.

Now, we know some of you will think, what about jobs? Will these robots and machines take jobs away from people? Coles has reassured the public that this diligent army of robots won't lead to job losses; quite the contrary.

'We've never had more jobs in Coles,' Chief Operating Officer Matt Swindle shared. 'We have over 130,000 team members at the moment. It was 117,000 three years ago.'

Although this futuristic centre is the first of its kind in Australia, more are expected to follow its lead. There are plans to launch a similar warehouse in Sydney next year, followed by opening two customer fulfilment centres, brought to fruition in partnership with Ocado.

Key Takeaways

• Coles has launched Australia's first automated distribution centre in Brisbane, which will replace human packers with machines.
• The new system is expected to process items faster and more accurately, to reduce the price of groceries.
• Despite concerns about job losses, Coles ensures there will not be job cuts, citing the employment increase in recent years.
• The company plans to open more automated centres in Sydney and two customer fulfilment centres with Ocado.

This technological leap is a game-changer for Coles, and it might just revolutionise our shopping experience and even bring down those grocery costs.

So, folks, what are your thoughts on this development? Are you thrilled about the idea of robots and machines packing your groceries? We'd love to hear your take on it, so drop your comments below!

This makes me see red!! We have more and more people needing jobs, yet more and more jobs are being automated. It's bulls##t and I am so bloody sick of it. It's not a wonder we have so many mental issues amongst society. No jobs, no pay rises, no housing but that 1% are still getting richer. Sorry blowing off steam here.

 

[Mickie Stoner]

Technology is everywhere these days, and it looks like Coles is taking a leap into the future that has us feeling like we've stepped right into a science fiction story.

Coles is going all-in with a massive transformation by introducing a futuristic automated warehouse that will have cutting-edge, high-speed robots. Yes, you read that correctly—robots!

It's Australia's first automated supermarket distribution centre, and it's set to be a modern marvel nestled in the heart of Redbank, Brisbane.

With a towering height of 35 metres and a floor plan double the size of the MCG playing field, it's like a superstore in itself. Inside, you'll find a treasure trove of all the essential supermarket items you can think of.

But that's not all! These goods are destined for an exciting adventure. They'll embark on a journey to reach over 200 Coles stores spread across Queensland and NSW, revolutionising how we shop for groceries. It's a whole new era of grocery shopping, and this warehouse is at the heart of it all.

View attachment 23556

Coles will soon have an automated warehouse replacing human packers with complex machines. Credit: Shutterstock.

Coles claims this automated leap could lead to lower grocery prices. How, you might wonder? Well, items are processed through a conveyor-belt system, where a sophisticated sorting and packing system determines the ideal configuration for stacking products onto each grocery store's order pallet.

Software and robotics systems accumulate details about each product, replacing the traditional process. This system can identify the best method to process items quickly, accurately, and with less damage than a human. You must admit, it's pretty fascinating how times change!

'In automation, we're more accurate in products we pick, we have fewer damages, we're able to build the pallets better,' said Kevin Gunn, Coles Executive General Manager of Operations Strategy & Transformation.

'The system knows how much it weighs, how big it is, and what the crushability is.' It seems these machines will do all the heavy lifting, saving over 18 million kilograms of manual labour each week.

Now, we know some of you will think, what about jobs? Will these robots and machines take jobs away from people? Coles has reassured the public that this diligent army of robots won't lead to job losses; quite the contrary.

'We've never had more jobs in Coles,' Chief Operating Officer Matt Swindle shared. 'We have over 130,000 team members at the moment. It was 117,000 three years ago.'

Although this futuristic centre is the first of its kind in Australia, more are expected to follow its lead. There are plans to launch a similar warehouse in Sydney next year, followed by opening two customer fulfilment centres, brought to fruition in partnership with Ocado.

Key Takeaways

• Coles has launched Australia's first automated distribution centre in Brisbane, which will replace human packers with machines.
• The new system is expected to process items faster and more accurately, to reduce the price of groceries.
• Despite concerns about job losses, Coles ensures there will not be job cuts, citing the employment increase in recent years.
• The company plans to open more automated centres in Sydney and two customer fulfilment centres with Ocado.

This technological leap is a game-changer for Coles, and it might just revolutionise our shopping experience and even bring down those grocery costs.

So, folks, what are your thoughts on this development? Are you thrilled about the idea of robots and machines packing your groceries? We'd love to hear your take on it, so drop your comments below!

NO WAY !!! Mickie

 

[Wen46]

This makes me see red!! We have more and more people needing jobs, yet more and more jobs are being automated. It's bulls##t and I am so bloody sick of it. It's not a wonder we have so many mental issues amongst society. No jobs, no pay rises, no housing but that 1% are still getting richer. Sorry blowing off steam here.

Totally agree.

 

[BruceC]

Technology is everywhere these days, and it looks like Coles is taking a leap into the future that has us feeling like we've stepped right into a science fiction story.

Coles is going all-in with a massive transformation by introducing a futuristic automated warehouse that will have cutting-edge, high-speed robots. Yes, you read that correctly—robots!

It's Australia's first automated supermarket distribution centre, and it's set to be a modern marvel nestled in the heart of Redbank, Brisbane.

With a towering height of 35 metres and a floor plan double the size of the MCG playing field, it's like a superstore in itself. Inside, you'll find a treasure trove of all the essential supermarket items you can think of.

But that's not all! These goods are destined for an exciting adventure. They'll embark on a journey to reach over 200 Coles stores spread across Queensland and NSW, revolutionising how we shop for groceries. It's a whole new era of grocery shopping, and this warehouse is at the heart of it all.

View attachment 23556

Coles will soon have an automated warehouse replacing human packers with complex machines. Credit: Shutterstock.

Coles claims this automated leap could lead to lower grocery prices. How, you might wonder? Well, items are processed through a conveyor-belt system, where a sophisticated sorting and packing system determines the ideal configuration for stacking products onto each grocery store's order pallet.

Software and robotics systems accumulate details about each product, replacing the traditional process. This system can identify the best method to process items quickly, accurately, and with less damage than a human. You must admit, it's pretty fascinating how times change!

'In automation, we're more accurate in products we pick, we have fewer damages, we're able to build the pallets better,' said Kevin Gunn, Coles Executive General Manager of Operations Strategy & Transformation.

'The system knows how much it weighs, how big it is, and what the crushability is.' It seems these machines will do all the heavy lifting, saving over 18 million kilograms of manual labour each week.

Now, we know some of you will think, what about jobs? Will these robots and machines take jobs away from people? Coles has reassured the public that this diligent army of robots won't lead to job losses; quite the contrary.

'We've never had more jobs in Coles,' Chief Operating Officer Matt Swindle shared. 'We have over 130,000 team members at the moment. It was 117,000 three years ago.'

Although this futuristic centre is the first of its kind in Australia, more are expected to follow its lead. There are plans to launch a similar warehouse in Sydney next year, followed by opening two customer fulfilment centres, brought to fruition in partnership with Ocado.

Key Takeaways

• Coles has launched Australia's first automated distribution centre in Brisbane, which will replace human packers with machines.
• The new system is expected to process items faster and more accurately, to reduce the price of groceries.
• Despite concerns about job losses, Coles ensures there will not be job cuts, citing the employment increase in recent years.
• The company plans to open more automated centres in Sydney and two customer fulfilment centres with Ocado.

This technological leap is a game-changer for Coles, and it might just revolutionise our shopping experience and even bring down those grocery costs.

So, folks, what are your thoughts on this development? Are you thrilled about the idea of robots and machines packing your groceries? We'd love to hear your take on it, so drop your comments below!

 

[BruceC]

Technology is everywhere these days, and it looks like Coles is taking a leap into the future that has us feeling like we've stepped right into a science fiction story.

Coles is going all-in with a massive transformation by introducing a futuristic automated warehouse that will have cutting-edge, high-speed robots. Yes, you read that correctly—robots!

It's Australia's first automated supermarket distribution centre, and it's set to be a modern marvel nestled in the heart of Redbank, Brisbane.

With a towering height of 35 metres and a floor plan double the size of the MCG playing field, it's like a superstore in itself. Inside, you'll find a treasure trove of all the essential supermarket items you can think of.

But that's not all! These goods are destined for an exciting adventure. They'll embark on a journey to reach over 200 Coles stores spread across Queensland and NSW, revolutionising how we shop for groceries. It's a whole new era of grocery shopping, and this warehouse is at the heart of it all.

View attachment 23556

Coles will soon have an automated warehouse replacing human packers with complex machines. Credit: Shutterstock.

Coles claims this automated leap could lead to lower grocery prices. How, you might wonder? Well, items are processed through a conveyor-belt system, where a sophisticated sorting and packing system determines the ideal configuration for stacking products onto each grocery store's order pallet.

Software and robotics systems accumulate details about each product, replacing the traditional process. This system can identify the best method to process items quickly, accurately, and with less damage than a human. You must admit, it's pretty fascinating how times change!

'In automation, we're more accurate in products we pick, we have fewer damages, we're able to build the pallets better,' said Kevin Gunn, Coles Executive General Manager of Operations Strategy & Transformation.

'The system knows how much it weighs, how big it is, and what the crushability is.' It seems these machines will do all the heavy lifting, saving over 18 million kilograms of manual labour each week.

Now, we know some of you will think, what about jobs? Will these robots and machines take jobs away from people? Coles has reassured the public that this diligent army of robots won't lead to job losses; quite the contrary.

'We've never had more jobs in Coles,' Chief Operating Officer Matt Swindle shared. 'We have over 130,000 team members at the moment. It was 117,000 three years ago.'

Although this futuristic centre is the first of its kind in Australia, more are expected to follow its lead. There are plans to launch a similar warehouse in Sydney next year, followed by opening two customer fulfilment centres, brought to fruition in partnership with Ocado.

Key Takeaways

• Coles has launched Australia's first automated distribution centre in Brisbane, which will replace human packers with machines.
• The new system is expected to process items faster and more accurately, to reduce the price of groceries.
• Despite concerns about job losses, Coles ensures there will not be job cuts, citing the employment increase in recent years.
• The company plans to open more automated centres in Sydney and two customer fulfilment centres with Ocado.

This technological leap is a game-changer for Coles, and it might just revolutionise our shopping experience and even bring down those grocery costs.

So, folks, what are your thoughts on this development? Are you thrilled about the idea of robots and machines packing your groceries? We'd love to hear your take on it, so drop your comments below!

Well that’s fine but robots taking over the jobs of thousands of humans who will all be out of work with no income cheaper prices won’t mean a thing.
Humans will have no money to buy goods with.
No Humans in the warehouses and no humans at the checkouts and very soon no humans stacking shelve (will all be done by robots also).
Coles won’t be the only ones doing this!
when all the Supermarkets have done this and unemployment is extreme how will the government pay the unemployed as they, the government, will no longer be receiving taxes from these people!

The future of the human race is in decline and will soon be taken over by artificial intelligence!
Did we not learn anything from “I Robot”?

 

[Suzanne rose]

If and I mean if people are not losing jobs then I'm actually for it, if it's going to get produce to shops quicker but if this ends up replacing people then I'm definitely against it and maybe in the beginning it won't take away jobs but what about in a year or two..

I remember when computers were introduced into the work place we were worried it would take away jobs but it didn't.

Eftpos machines caused job loss in the banking industry but people wanted this , they wanted 24/7 access to their money
They didn't want to wait in huge queues

 

[suncoaster]

Unfortunately, my son in law is one of those Coles workers that have been made redundant. He's worked there for almost 30 years.

 

[Jan Purcell]

I hate it, I will NOT use them its going to take the jobs away from those people that WANT to work, in Carrum Downs Coles, they have the do it yourself electronic belts, where YOU do all the work of what the check out chicks do, greed again, have they thought of the DISABLE that are in wheel chairs and elec scooters, they can't use them, if we are made to do their jobs then they should PAY us. We can always go to another store that does not use the, and there will be cheats, it has already happened a lady used the elec belts and got away with $96 worth of groceries, not that I agree with stealing but selfs Coles right. Jan Purcell

 

[Penny4]

"We have over 130,000 team members at the moment. It was 117,000 three years ago."
This amount doesn't seem a lot, for all Coles employees in their stores and warehouses.
Coles say staff won't lose jobs, however instead they just don't employ any new staff, whenever staff leave. I've noticed it in my local Coles stores.

 

[Suzanne rose]

Unfortunately, my son in law is one of those Coles workers that have been made redundant. He's worked there for almost 30 years.

And they are saying jobs won't be lost

 

[HappyPam]

Absolutely not!

Technology is everywhere these days, and it looks like Coles is taking a leap into the future that has us feeling like we've stepped right into a science fiction story.

Coles is going all-in with a massive transformation by introducing a futuristic automated warehouse that will have cutting-edge, high-speed robots. Yes, you read that correctly—robots!

It's Australia's first automated supermarket distribution centre, and it's set to be a modern marvel nestled in the heart of Redbank, Brisbane.

With a towering height of 35 metres and a floor plan double the size of the MCG playing field, it's like a superstore in itself. Inside, you'll find a treasure trove of all the essential supermarket items you can think of.

But that's not all! These goods are destined for an exciting adventure. They'll embark on a journey to reach over 200 Coles stores spread across Queensland and NSW, revolutionising how we shop for groceries. It's a whole new era of grocery shopping, and this warehouse is at the heart of it all.

View attachment 23556

Coles will soon have an automated warehouse replacing human packers with complex machines. Credit: Shutterstock.

Coles claims this automated leap could lead to lower grocery prices. How, you might wonder? Well, items are processed through a conveyor-belt system, where a sophisticated sorting and packing system determines the ideal configuration for stacking products onto each grocery store's order pallet.

Software and robotics systems accumulate details about each product, replacing the traditional process. This system can identify the best method to process items quickly, accurately, and with less damage than a human. You must admit, it's pretty fascinating how times change!

'In automation, we're more accurate in products we pick, we have fewer damages, we're able to build the pallets better,' said Kevin Gunn, Coles Executive General Manager of Operations Strategy & Transformation.

'The system knows how much it weighs, how big it is, and what the crushability is.' It seems these machines will do all the heavy lifting, saving over 18 million kilograms of manual labour each week.

Now, we know some of you will think, what about jobs? Will these robots and machines take jobs away from people? Coles has reassured the public that this diligent army of robots won't lead to job losses; quite the contrary.

'We've never had more jobs in Coles,' Chief Operating Officer Matt Swindle shared. 'We have over 130,000 team members at the moment. It was 117,000 three years ago.'

Although this futuristic centre is the first of its kind in Australia, more are expected to follow its lead. There are plans to launch a similar warehouse in Sydney next year, followed by opening two customer fulfilment centres, brought to fruition in partnership with Ocado.

Key Takeaways

• Coles has launched Australia's first automated distribution centre in Brisbane, which will replace human packers with machines.
• The new system is expected to process items faster and more accurately, to reduce the price of groceries.
• Despite concerns about job losses, Coles ensures there will not be job cuts, citing the employment increase in recent years.
• The company plans to open more automated centres in Sydney and two customer fulfilment centres with Ocado.

This technological leap is a game-changer for Coles, and it might just revolutionise our shopping experience and even bring down those grocery costs.

So, folks, what are your thoughts on this development? Are you thrilled about the idea of robots and machines packing your groceries? We'd love to hear your take on it, so drop your comments below!

Absolutely not in favour!

 

[Paul M]

Technology is everywhere these days, and it looks like Coles is taking a leap into the future that has us feeling like we've stepped right into a science fiction story.

Coles is going all-in with a massive transformation by introducing a futuristic automated warehouse that will have cutting-edge, high-speed robots. Yes, you read that correctly—robots!

It's Australia's first automated supermarket distribution centre, and it's set to be a modern marvel nestled in the heart of Redbank, Brisbane.

With a towering height of 35 metres and a floor plan double the size of the MCG playing field, it's like a superstore in itself. Inside, you'll find a treasure trove of all the essential supermarket items you can think of.

But that's not all! These goods are destined for an exciting adventure. They'll embark on a journey to reach over 200 Coles stores spread across Queensland and NSW, revolutionising how we shop for groceries. It's a whole new era of grocery shopping, and this warehouse is at the heart of it all.

View attachment 23556

Coles will soon have an automated warehouse replacing human packers with complex machines. Credit: Shutterstock.

Coles claims this automated leap could lead to lower grocery prices. How, you might wonder? Well, items are processed through a conveyor-belt system, where a sophisticated sorting and packing system determines the ideal configuration for stacking products onto each grocery store's order pallet.

Software and robotics systems accumulate details about each product, replacing the traditional process. This system can identify the best method to process items quickly, accurately, and with less damage than a human. You must admit, it's pretty fascinating how times change!

'In automation, we're more accurate in products we pick, we have fewer damages, we're able to build the pallets better,' said Kevin Gunn, Coles Executive General Manager of Operations Strategy & Transformation.

'The system knows how much it weighs, how big it is, and what the crushability is.' It seems these machines will do all the heavy lifting, saving over 18 million kilograms of manual labour each week.

Now, we know some of you will think, what about jobs? Will these robots and machines take jobs away from people? Coles has reassured the public that this diligent army of robots won't lead to job losses; quite the contrary.

'We've never had more jobs in Coles,' Chief Operating Officer Matt Swindle shared. 'We have over 130,000 team members at the moment. It was 117,000 three years ago.'

Although this futuristic centre is the first of its kind in Australia, more are expected to follow its lead. There are plans to launch a similar warehouse in Sydney next year, followed by opening two customer fulfilment centres, brought to fruition in partnership with Ocado.

Key Takeaways

• Coles has launched Australia's first automated distribution centre in Brisbane, which will replace human packers with machines.
• The new system is expected to process items faster and more accurately, to reduce the price of groceries.
• Despite concerns about job losses, Coles ensures there will not be job cuts, citing the employment increase in recent years.
• The company plans to open more automated centres in Sydney and two customer fulfilment centres with Ocado.

This technological leap is a game-changer for Coles, and it might just revolutionise our shopping experience and even bring down those grocery costs.

So, folks, what are your thoughts on this development? Are you thrilled about the idea of robots and machines packing your groceries? We'd love to hear your take on it, so drop your comments below!

If no one is Losing Their Jobs and the Full Working Machines are Saving the Back of Humans and Bringing the Costs Dollars Down,I am All for It. As We All know the COSTS OF LIVING these Days with Rents ,Utilities an Everything Else are Skyrocketing and More Money Money will Help a Lot.P

 

[Trudi]

I am surprised that warehousing and packing isn't fully automated already.

Bring it on, I say!

 

[Milica]

Unfortunately, my son in law is one of those Coles workers that have been made redundant. He's worked there for almost 30 years.

Now that is disgusting and after so many years of service. I bet the managers etc - don't lose there jobs, & they will have to keep some staff who will be making sure the robots are doing there jobs! They state no jobs lost & prices may come down - that is a load of Bull-as we have just read! These big supermarkets only ever do anything if it means they will be making a profit! Where is the human interaction in this type of shopping-as long as we shop there & spend our money at there store - that is as far as there giving a whatever about the customer. I do feel for the people that will lose there jobs with all the futuristic sh.. that is being contemplated and now starting to be implemented - the gov't will be paying for more and more unemployment benefits! Nice - not, for the people that have lost there jobs, what about the hope for there future when having a job was surviving, being able to make plans & having life goals. All round it's always about, greed, power, control and the almighty $.

 

[poppyshero]

My local Coles store recently converted the checkouts to self-serve. Myself, and others just left our trolleys at the check-out and walked out. I will never shop at Coles again.

 

[Ronloby]

This makes me see red!! We have more and more people needing jobs, yet more and more jobs are being automated. It's bulls##t and I am so bloody sick of it. It's not a wonder we have so many mental issues amongst society. No jobs, no pay rises, no housing but that 1% are still getting richer. Sorry blowing off steam here.

Well said.
No jobs, no food, no housing, no nothing. But the no tax paying elite still have a job, housing and plenty of money and could not care less. This includes all Pollies and their mates.
I AM SICK OF THE WHOLE AUSSIE S**T.

 

[driag]

Another way of screwing the Australian worker. eliminating jobs, raising profits. Next it'll be driverless trucks and robots to unload at stores. stores are already converting their checkouts to customer enforced servitude with self checkouts. More job loses, no discounts, for doing unpaid work for Coles. And no Workers compensation if you have or cause an accident carrying out this enforced work

 

[SGH]

Well I can tell you for a fact that a lot of people lost their jobs when they moved the warehouse from Browns Plains (I think) to Redbank. And this happen a while ago, not recently. So Coles can spruik whatever they cow manure they want, it is not going to change anything.

 

[Spud1943]

Technology is everywhere these days, and it looks like Coles is taking a leap into the future that has us feeling like we've stepped right into a science fiction story.

Coles is going all-in with a massive transformation by introducing a futuristic automated warehouse that will have cutting-edge, high-speed robots. Yes, you read that correctly—robots!

It's Australia's first automated supermarket distribution centre, and it's set to be a modern marvel nestled in the heart of Redbank, Brisbane.

With a towering height of 35 metres and a floor plan double the size of the MCG playing field, it's like a superstore in itself. Inside, you'll find a treasure trove of all the essential supermarket items you can think of.

But that's not all! These goods are destined for an exciting adventure. They'll embark on a journey to reach over 200 Coles stores spread across Queensland and NSW, revolutionising how we shop for groceries. It's a whole new era of grocery shopping, and this warehouse is at the heart of it all.

View attachment 23556

Coles will soon have an automated warehouse replacing human packers with complex machines. Credit: Shutterstock.

Coles claims this automated leap could lead to lower grocery prices. How, you might wonder? Well, items are processed through a conveyor-belt system, where a sophisticated sorting and packing system determines the ideal configuration for stacking products onto each grocery store's order pallet.

Software and robotics systems accumulate details about each product, replacing the traditional process. This system can identify the best method to process items quickly, accurately, and with less damage than a human. You must admit, it's pretty fascinating how times change!

'In automation, we're more accurate in products we pick, we have fewer damages, we're able to build the pallets better,' said Kevin Gunn, Coles Executive General Manager of Operations Strategy & Transformation.

'The system knows how much it weighs, how big it is, and what the crushability is.' It seems these machines will do all the heavy lifting, saving over 18 million kilograms of manual labour each week.

Now, we know some of you will think, what about jobs? Will these robots and machines take jobs away from people? Coles has reassured the public that this diligent army of robots won't lead to job losses; quite the contrary.

'We've never had more jobs in Coles,' Chief Operating Officer Matt Swindle shared. 'We have over 130,000 team members at the moment. It was 117,000 three years ago.'

Although this futuristic centre is the first of its kind in Australia, more are expected to follow its lead. There are plans to launch a similar warehouse in Sydney next year, followed by opening two customer fulfilment centres, brought to fruition in partnership with Ocado.

Key Takeaways

• Coles has launched Australia's first automated distribution centre in Brisbane, which will replace human packers with machines.
• The new system is expected to process items faster and more accurately, to reduce the price of groceries.
• Despite concerns about job losses, Coles ensures there will not be job cuts, citing the employment increase in recent years.
• The company plans to open more automated centres in Sydney and two customer fulfilment centres with Ocado.

This technological leap is a game-changer for Coles, and it might just revolutionise our shopping experience and even bring down those grocery costs.

So, folks, what are your thoughts on this development? Are you thrilled about the idea of robots and machines packing your groceries? We'd love to hear your take on it, so drop your comments below!

More jobs down the drain. We have enough unemployed and those who have become homeless because of this type of so-called technology inovation. Keep people in jobs please.