AI and Robotics Revolutionize Grocery Shopping at Coles' New Fulfillment Center

Coles has unveiled its state-of-the-art Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC) in Truganina, Victoria, marking a significant advancement in online grocery shopping. This cutting-edge facility leverages Australian-first technology to enhance the customer experience for online shoppers in the greater Melbourne area.

Located just over 20 kilometers west of Melbourne's CBD, the Truganina CFC was inaugurated by Victorian Acting Premier Tim Pallas MP, Coles Group Chairman James Graham, and Coles Group CEO Leah Weckert. This center is the first of two CFCs set to open this year as part of a $400 million collaboration with Ocado, a global leader in online grocery solutions.

Once fully operational, the Truganina CFC will offer online customers improved product availability, fewer substitutions, a broader range of items, and extended shelf life for essentials like mince and milk.

Leah Weckert, CEO of Coles, expressed her enthusiasm for the launch, stating, "Today's opening represents a transformative step in our online grocery services, providing our customers with greater choice, better availability, enhanced freshness, and more flexible delivery options."

The facility utilizes advanced Ocado technology, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation, to revolutionize the process of picking, packing, and delivering online orders. Spanning over 87,000 square meters—four times the size of the Melbourne Cricket Ground—the site can hold three million units of stock and process over 10,000 customer orders daily at full capacity.

A central feature of the Truganina CFC is 'The Hive,' a hub where more than 700 robots can fulfill a customer order of 50 items in just five minutes. An AI-driven 'air traffic' control system manages the bots as they navigate 3D grids, transporting containers of groceries to be packed and dispatched by team members.

The Truganina CFC, named Brungilo Curran (Stringybark Gum Tree), reflects the local Bunurong community's heritage, with artwork by local artist Kobi Sainty.