• Ocado IQ showcased AI-powered dual pick modes at MODEX 2026.
  • The technology aims to speed up order fulfilment while improving accuracy and flexibility.
  • MODEX demo highlights growing pressure on warehouses to adopt AI robotics or risk falling behind.

What was shown at MODEX 2026

Ocado IQ presented its latest AI robotics capabilities at MODEX 2026, centring the demonstration on what the company calls “dual pick modes.” The short description of the exhibit emphasized how AI is being used to change the pace and precision of warehouse picking — a critical step in modern fulfilment operations.

Why dual pick modes matter

Ocado’s dual pick approach signals a shift from one-size-fits-all picking to a more flexible, context-aware operation. While traditional systems prioritize either speed or accuracy, dual pick modes are positioned to let operators switch between or combine strategies depending on order profiles, SKU mixes, and real-time demand.

That flexibility matters because modern fulfilment centres face widely variable order volumes and increasingly complex mixes of items. If the technology delivers as demonstrated, warehouses could see faster cycle times during peaks and fewer picking errors during high-precision requirements.

Impacts and industry implications

Adoption of AI-driven picking modes could change how warehouses are staffed, how workflows are designed, and how operators choose technology partners. At MODEX, Ocado’s demo served as a reminder that robotics vendors are moving beyond simple automation toward systems that make on-the-fly decisions using machine learning and sensor data.

For logistics managers, the headline takeaway is twofold: the potential operational gains are real, and the competitive pressure is increasing. Companies that delay evaluating adaptive AI robotics risk losing efficiency gains to peers that pilot or adopt these systems sooner.

What operators should do next

  • Evaluate: Warehouse leaders should review their order profiles, error rates and throughput bottlenecks to judge whether adaptive picking would help.
  • Pilot: Small-scale pilots or simulations can validate benefits without full replacement of existing equipment.
  • Measure: Focus on measurable KPIs such as pick accuracy, throughput, labour utilization and end-to-end cycle time.

Conclusion

Ocado IQ’s showcase at MODEX 2026 highlights a concrete example of how AI robotics is evolving from fixed automation toward adaptable, context-aware systems. The dual pick modes on display promise greater flexibility for fulfilment operations. Whether those promises turn into broad industry change will depend on real-world pilots and measurable returns — but the message at MODEX was clear: AI-driven picking strategies are no longer niche, and operators should pay attention before they fall behind.

Image Referance: https://logisticsbusiness.com/materials-handling/automation-systems-shuttles/ai-robotics-automation-showcased-at-modex-2026/