• Ocado Intelligent Automation unveiled Ocado IQ today at MODEX, a cloud-based, AI-powered software suite.
  • Ocado IQ supports two pick modes running concurrently across a warehouse, configurable aisle by aisle by density, velocity and layout.
  • A new Smart Bypass feature activates direct-to-pick routing, designed to streamline routing and fulfillment.
  • The release signals a push toward more flexible, software-driven warehouse operations in intralogistics.

What was announced at MODEX

Ocado Intelligent Automation used its MODEX appearance to release Ocado IQ, a cloud-based, AI-powered software suite for warehouse operations. The vendor described two headline capabilities: the ability to run two pick modes at the same time across a facility (configured individually for each aisle), and a Smart Bypass that activates direct-to-pick routing.

How the new features work

Concurrent pick modes, aisle-by-aisle

Ocado IQ lets operators run two different picking modes concurrently across the same warehouse. According to the announcement, these modes can be applied aisle by aisle based on factors such as density, velocity and layout. That approach aims to let operators tune picking behavior to local conditions rather than forcing a single method across an entire site.

Smart Bypass and direct-to-pick routing

The suite also introduces a Smart Bypass capability that activates direct-to-pick routing. The company positions this as a software control intended to streamline routing inside the warehouse, enabling faster, more targeted movement of goods to picking stations when appropriate.

Why this matters

Warehouse software that can shift picking methods on a granular, aisle-by-aisle basis could reduce friction for facilities with mixed inventories and variable order profiles. The addition of direct-to-pick routing through Smart Bypass highlights a continued industry trend toward dynamic, software-led intralogistics rather than static, one-size-fits-all operations.

For retailers and 3PLs already exploring automation, Ocado IQ’s cloud-first, AI positioning signals another choice in a growing market of intelligent warehouse orchestration tools. At large events such as MODEX, product launches like this also act as social proof that automated, software-driven approaches are becoming mainstream.

What to watch next

Ocado Intelligent Automation will likely follow up with more technical details, customer pilots and deployment case studies. For operations teams, the practical questions will be how easily Ocado IQ integrates with existing hardware and WMS layers, and whether aisle-level pick mode tuning and Smart Bypass produce measurable throughput or cost benefits in live environments.

Bottom line

Ocado IQ’s debut at MODEX adds a cloud-based, AI-powered option for warehouses looking to combine multiple pick modes and introduce direct-to-pick routing. The release underscores the push toward flexible, software-driven fulfillment — and raises a clear question for operators: are you prepared to adopt more dynamic picking strategies?

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