CEVA Logistics Deploys Sereact AI to Automate Zalando Returns

The Cortex platform utilizes physical AI to identify, grasp, and sort items dynamically without requiring pre-training on specific articles. This capability is critical for managing the high variance inherent in fashion returns, where products often arrive in inconsistent conditions. The system is designed to function alongside human staff, automating repetitive physical tasks and allowing employees to shift focus toward higher-value roles that require human judgment.

For CEVA Logistics and Zalando, the deployment addresses the disproportionately high costs and operational complexities associated with reverse logistics. According to Chris Walton, SVP of Contract Logistics at CEVA, the robotics-as-a-service model provides consistent, predictable quality, transforming a traditional cost center into a high-performance service. Sereact CEO Dr. Ralf Gulde emphasized that the technology is specifically built for the unpredictable nature of returns, noting that successful production at Zalando’s scale serves as a key validation of the platform’s efficacy.