Logistics company Geodis has announced it will deploy 1,000 autonomous mobile robots at its warehouse sites around the world. Locus Robotics plans to provide the robots, which are designed to work alongside humans to streamline operations.

The rollout will take place over the next two years and represents one of the industry’s largest  mobile robot deals to date.

In a statement, Geodis executive vice president Eric Douglas said the expansion plan was motivated by continuing financial and operational labor challenges.

“As we continue to navigate industry-wide challenges such as skyrocketing e-commerce demand and labor constraints, it is crucial we remain committed to implementing the most innovative and effective robotics automation solutions available into our warehouses,” he said.

The Locus Robotics LocusBot robots help manage order picking and inventory replenishment and accelerate delivery processes as a result. Geodis is using LocusBots in 14 of its sites in Europe and the U.S., where they help fulfill orders for retail and consumer brands.

“Locus’ collaborative multi-bot approach has proven its effectiveness and reliability at each of our sites, giving us the ability to easily scale performance,” Douglas added.

LocusBots are seeing increased global uptake as operators turn to automated solutions to ease pressures on existing workforces. DHL signed an agreement with Locus to introduce 2,000 robots to its facilities by the end of this year.