In the annals of technological evolution, the story of GreyOrange stands out as a testament to the power of innovation and the transformative potential of robotics. Born out of the corridors of BITS Pilani, this startup has redefined the landscape of warehouse automation, integrating AI-driven technologies to orchestrate a revolution in the logistics industry.

Inception at BITS Pilani:

A decade ago, on the vibrant campus of BITS Pilani, two visionaries, Samay Kohli and Akash Gupta, embarked on a journey that would reshape the future of robotics. Their collaboration began with creating Acyut, India’s first indigenous humanoid robot, earning them accolades and igniting a passion for robotics that would fuel their entrepreneurial ambitions.

GreyOrange Takes Root:

The initial spark ignited at BITS Pilani evolved into a full-fledged startup in 2011. Samay Kohli, and Akash Gupta, along with the mentorship of Wolfgang Hoeltgen, founded GreyOrange with a modest capital of Rs 5 lakh INR. Their dream was to harness the power of AI cloud software and robotic industrialization to streamline warehouse operations.

A Visionary Mission:

From the outset, GreyOrange set forth a mission to be more than just a technology provider. The company aimed to be a customer-centric and innovation-first solutions platform, redefining the industry with cutting-edge innovations. Their long-term vision envisioned an end-to-end orchestration and intelligence platform that would revolutionize the way logistics operate.

The journey was not without its challenges. GreyOrange faced the complexities, scale, and cost implications of supply chains. The software industry, particularly in distribution centre automation, demanded solutions that could seamlessly transform and optimize supply chains while meeting customers’ ever-growing expectations.

GreyOrange’s prominence was marked by its commitment to excellence and continuous innovation. The company’s GreyMatter, a fulfilment operating system, processes an astonishing 630,000+ decisions per minute. With a global network of over 6,000 robots, GreyOrange has achieved a remarkable 300% year-on-year growth rate, solidifying its position in the industry.

Awards and Recognition:

The accolades garnered by GreyOrange reflect the impact of its contributions:

• Samay Kohli was recognized as a Supply and Demand Chain Executive in 2021.
• “RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award” by Robotics Business Review in 2021.
• Supply Chain Excellence Award in London in 2021.

Global Expansion and Funding Triumphs:

GreyOrange set its sights on global expansion, with ambitious plans to derive 70% of its sales from international markets. The company secured funding milestones, raising a total of $428.1 million in 10 funding rounds, with the latest Series D round fetching $135 million from Anthelion Capital in December 2023.

The company stands as a pioneer in the robotics and logistics automation space. The company’s product lineup includes the Ranger Rack-to-Person (RTP) autonomous mobile robot (AMR) and the Ranger IL-L platform robot. These innovations have been embraced by industry giants such as Flipkart, Myntra, and DTC, reshaping their manufacturing units and distribution processes.

Towards a Collaborative Future:

In a significant move towards the future, GreyOrange introduced a multi-robot orchestration function in 2023. This revolutionary feature allows robots from various manufacturers to collaborate seamlessly in warehouses, positioning GreyOrange as a frontrunner in shaping the direction of collaborative robots in logistics.

GreyOrange’s strategic partnerships have played a pivotal role in its journey. The collaboration with Blue Yonder in 2022 resulted in a combined digital warehouse management and order management system solution, offering extensive possibilities for businesses focused on fulfilment. Notably, fashion giant H&M joined forces with GreyOrange to enhance efficiency in its robotic fulfilment system.

Future Plans:

As GreyOrange looks ahead, its vision extends to a future where more than 50% of businesses using intralogistics robots will leverage collaborative platforms by 2026. The company’s commitment to shaping the logistics industry’s future positions it at the forefront of technological advancements.

GreyOrange’s startup story is a saga of passion, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From the hallways of BITS Pilani to global recognition, the founders and team at GreyOrange have orchestrated a revolution in warehouse automation, leaving an indelible mark on the robotics ecosystem. As the journey continues, GreyOrange stands poised to lead the charge into a future where collaboration and innovation converge to redefine the possibilities of logistics automation.