# Robot-Powered Delivery Centers Kroger is Rolling Out an Ocado-Powered Customer Fulfilment Centre By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2021-04-16 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/customer-fulfilment-centre References: [foodbev](https://www.foodbev.com/news/kroger-introduces-first-ocado-powered-distribution-centre-in-us/) & [kroger](https://www.kroger.com) [Kroger](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kroger-1) has announced that it will be launching a Customer Fulfillment Centre (CFC) in the US that will make use of technology developed by delivery service Ocado. The launch follows on an exclusive partnership that was formed back in 2018 between the two brands and will help to expand Kroger's ability to expand its customer reach and more. The center will be located in Monroe, Ohio with a size of 375,000-square-feet and will utilize Ocado technology to combine [machine learning, vertical integration and robotics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omnichannel-fulfillment-center) for fast, affordable delivery of fresh foods. Co-Founder and CEO of [Ocado Group](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ocado-600) Tim Steiner spoke on the new Kroger Customer Fulfilment Centre launch saying, "This moment marks the next phase of our partnership, and it comes against the backdrop of soaring demand for online grocery options in the US and worldwide. In the coming years, we will open more automated CFCs across a range of sizes with Kroger. We will also roll out components of our software solutions to stores in collaboration with Kroger’s existing seamless platform to support fulfilment of curbside pickup orders.” ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 22% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Automated Fulfillment Centers:** More companies may begin to invest in automated fulfillment centers to improve delivery efficiency and customer reach. - **Machine Learning in Retail:** Retailers may start using machine learning to optimize fulfillment, improve inventory management, and better target customers. - **Integration of Robotics in Logistics:** Logistics companies may look to integrate robotics to speed up delivery times and improve overall efficiency. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Retail:** Retailers may want to explore the use of automated fulfillment centers to improve delivery speed and reach. - **Logistics:** Logistics companies may adopt robotic technology to improve overall efficiency and speed up delivery times. - **Grocery:** Grocery chains may invest in machine learning and robotic technology to optimize inventory management and improve fulfillment operations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Expanded D2C Deliveries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kroger-1.md) - [Warehouse Order Delivery Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ocado-600.md) - [Connected Grocer Order Fridges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kroger-smart-fridges.md) - [Robotics-Equipped Deliveries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ica-and-cleveron.md) - [Convenience-Focused Grocery Network Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grocery-network.md) - [Digital Farmers Markets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/market-wagon.md) - [Fee-Free Grocer Deliveries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kroger-grocery-connect.md) - [Digital Grocery Screens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kroger-2.md) - [Unified Grocery Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/riesbecks.md)