Instead of humans dashing around to collect items for orders, hundreds of robots now whizz around a grid, fetching products with dizzying speed and precision.

These robots collect and distribute products to staff, who then pack them into boxes for delivery.

This automation process has been in place for several years, streamlining the online shopping experience.

Ocado, an online grocery retailer based in the UK, is investing in advanced automation technology in its warehouses.

The company uses robots from Kiva Systems, now owned by Amazon, to move inventory around the warehouse and bring items to workers for order fulfillment.

Other companies, such as Asda, Swisslog, and AutoStore, use similar systems.

Walmart in the US also uses robotics from Symbotic for supply chain automation.

Ocado has taken automation a step further, with robots now bringing items directly to robotic arms, which grab and move the items for packaging.

This process involves training robots to recognize and successfully grab various items, which is a complex task.

At Ocado, approximately 100 engineers have developed AI technology capable of picking and packing items for online grocery orders.

The AI system is trained to interpret data from cameras, identifying objects, determining their edges, and figuring out how to grasp them.

Additionally, it calculates the appropriate way to move the arm, pick up the item, and place it in a bag without damaging it or causing unnecessary movement.