Ocado Opens First Automated Fulfillment Center in South Korea

The new site, branded as ZETTA Smartcentre Busan, introduces Ocado's latest logistics technology to the South Korean market. Among the key innovations is the company's fully automated freezer, which allows its proprietary 'hive and bot' system to operate in temperatures as low as -25° C. The facility is designed for high-efficiency operations, supporting dawn deliveries that ensure fresh groceries reach customers before 7am.

Beyond speed, the center is positioned as an environmentally conscious model for the retail industry. Its operations include a 100% electric vehicle fleet for daytime deliveries and the use of energy-efficient 3D printed bots. According to the project partners, the facility’s extensive solar panel installation is projected to reduce carbon emissions by over 1,000 tonnes annually. Lotte Mart & Super CEO Cha Woo Chul stated that the center is expected to create 2,000 local jobs while reshaping the local paradigm for online grocery shopping through AI-driven logistics.