VersaTile – Transforming warehousing and distribution with industry leading AI planning and system controls.

COVID-19 has only served to increase the pace of change for UK delivery companies, with increasing numbers of parcels and fewer letters shipped around the UK. Warehousing and distribution operations are under significant pressure to transform their systems and processes in response to increasing market demand and throughput, intense competition, and consumer preference for more variety, quicker delivery at a lower cost.

Public funding brings together a world-class consortium, led by Tharsus, to tackle this problem, creating and integrating an industry-leading AI-planning capability and critical infrastructure-scale control systems. Project lead Tharsus is one of the UK's most advanced robotics companies, supplying automated solutions and commercial robotics to a diverse range of applications, spanning logistics, agriculture, and healthcare. Founded in 1964, and based in Blyth in Northumberland, Tharsus has a track record of delivering innovative technology solutions to some of the best businesses around the world, including DHL, Automata, Ocado, Rolls Royce, and the Small Robot Company. Tharsus was the UK National Chambers of Commerce 'Employer of the Year' 2019 and ranked number 79 in The Sunday Times' Tech Track 100 list of the UK's fastest-growing tech companies in 2019\. Working with leading AI researcher Professor Sara Bernardini (Royal Holloway University of London), Tharsus will develop an industry-leading AI-driven system delivering cost-effective and efficient solutions to our high-value customers, including world-leading logistics companies.