ZhilianhaiExotec: Skypod Warehouse Robotics and Fulfillment Systems
Exotec's warehouse automation scope
Exotec develops warehouse robotics and integrates fulfillment systems around its Skypod automated storage and retrieval system. Robots, racks, workstations, handling equipment and software operate as a coordinated installation. This makes the Skypod system relevant to buyers redesigning storage and order preparation, with project scope extending beyond the purchase of individual mobile robots.
Skypod generations and equipment boundaries
Exotec announced its next-generation Skypod on 6 February 2025. The architecture combines a compact robot, picking workstation, storage and an Exchanger that transfers containers between robots and external flows. The offering addresses each and case picking, buffering and sequencing within the storage system.
Identify the generation and proposed configuration in the bill of materials. An existing first-generation reference does not prove that every newer feature is available as a retrofit. Exotec's first-generation support page describes maintenance, updates and expansion for installed systems; expansion compatibility still needs project confirmation.
Picking, buffering and outbound sequence
In the next-generation workflow, operators can pick into fulfillment containers that return to storage before release in the required sequence. This connects order preparation with dispatch priorities and can reduce the need for separate intermediate handling in a suitable design. It does not imply that every individual item is grasped automatically.
Define which SKUs will enter bins or cases, what remains outside the system and how replenishment occurs. Carton opening, pallet handling, packing and shipping equipment require an explicit scope. Ask for a process map showing each human task, automated transfer, buffer and exception station.
Deepsky links warehouse execution and equipment
Deepsky is Exotec's warehouse execution software. It coordinates automated flows and communicates with the warehouse management system. Buyers should document how orders, inventory locations, replenishment and completed work pass between systems, including the integration of equipment supplied by other vendors.
Specify the authoritative inventory record and responsibility for interface development. Test message retries, cancelled orders, missing containers, equipment faults and restart reconciliation. Confirm the network design, access permissions, monitoring, retained data and process for approving software changes with the operating and IT teams.
Decathlon's European program is a dated reference
On 24 March 2026, Exotec described Decathlon's Skyfleet program across seven warehouses in five European countries. The account traces the relationship to an initial Tilburg installation in 2021. It describes common warehouse architecture, Deepsky orchestration and additional inbound and outbound equipment integrated across the program.
This is evidence of a named, multi-site fulfillment deployment. The reported results belong to those operations and should not become a forecast for a new warehouse. A comparable reference should match the buyer's replenishment pattern, container mix, peak demand and degree of surrounding automation.
Validate capacity across the complete workflow
Develop the design from order lines, units, SKU dimensions, stock depth and arrival patterns. The required number of robots depends on storage access and travel as well as station capacity. Model receiving peaks and outbound cut-off periods together, including unpopular stock, replenishment contention and unavailable equipment.
Agree the order mix and sustained operating period used for acceptance.
Test station ergonomics, exception resolution and recovery procedures.
Confirm floor and building constraints, protected access and maintenance space.
Define how expansion affects racks, workstations, controls and live operations.
Procurement and long-term service questions
Request a proposal identifying Skypod generation, robots, storage, stations, conveyors, interfaces, implementation and training. Name the party responsible for overall performance and each external machine. Distinguish initial installation costs from support, software, spare parts and later capacity changes.
Exotec describes monitoring and maintenance in its support offering. Obtain the actual service terms for the site, including exclusions, response times and the measurement of contractual performance. Marketing figures do not establish an unconditional guarantee for a different configuration. Use Exotec's contact page for an official enquiry.
Prepare an Exotec project brief
Provide a warehouse drawing, representative order history, inventory profile, existing host systems, staffing pattern and expansion plan. Compare architectures in Mobile & Logistics Robotics, Write a Robotics Buyer Brief, or structure requirements in a Robotics RFQ.
Research reviewed: 10 September 2026. Zhilianhai provides source-based research and enquiry routing. This profile is not a supplier endorsement, quotation or purchase commitment.
