Dual-arm robotic systems enter live operations, marking the first milestone in a strategic partnership to scale AI-driven returns automation across Europe.
STUTTGART, Germany — October 7, 2026 — Sereact, Zalando and CEVA Logistics today announced the launch of AI-powered automated returns processing at key fulfillment facilities in Greven, Germany, and Świebodzin, Poland. Powered by Cortex, Sereact’s Physical AI platform, dual-arm robotic systems are now in live operations, autonomously grasping, identifying and sorting returned fashion items without requiring per-item training or fixed SKU profiles.
The deployment marks the first operational milestone in a broader initiative to scale returns automation across Europe. Delivered through a Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, the systems take on repetitive handling tasks to reduce physical strain on warehouse teams, enabling employees to transition toward station supervision, exception management and quality control. In July 2026, Zalando joined Sereact’s Series B round as a strategic investor, and the partners are actively collaborating to scale intelligent automation across their shared European logistics footprint.
Returns management remains one of the most complex operations in fashion e-commerce logistics. Returned items often arrive poorly packed and disheveled, and their unpredictable condition defies conventional robotic pre-programming. Sereact’s Cortex platform groups previously unseen objects—identifying, grasping and sorting items dynamically without article-specific training or pre-determined article sets.
Key Highlights
- Live deployment at CEVA Logistics sites in Greven, Germany, and Świebodzin, Poland, for Zalando returns handling.
- Sereact’s Cortex Physical AI platform enables autonomous grasping, identification and sorting of previously unseen fashion returns.
- No per-item training or fixed SKU profiles required.
- RaaS delivery model reduces manual touchpoints and supports consistent, predictable quality at scale.
- First operational milestone of a strategic collaboration backed by Zalando’s July 2026 investment in Sereact’s Series B.
What executives at Zalando, CEVA Logistics and Sereact are saying:
“At the heart of our collaboration with Sereact and CEVA is a fundamental belief: true innovation happens when technology and human potential advance together. By solving the most complex challenges in modern fulfilment today, we are actively shaping the future of e-commerce logistics for fashion and lifestyle,” said Masood Choudhry, SVP Logistics, Zalando.
“One of the toughest challenges is returns handling, due to its extreme operational nature and scale, unpredictable volumes, manual quality checks, seasonality, value decay, and a disproportionately high cost per unit. Our Robotics-as-a-Service model classifies items faster, reduces manual touchpoints, and delivers consistent, predictable quality on a large scale. For our customers, this transforms returns from a cost driver into a controlled, high-performance service,” said Chris Walton, SVP Contract Logistics, CEVA Logistics.
“Returns are the hardest manipulation problem in fashion logistics. If a system only works on articles it has seen before, it does not work in a returns operation at all. Running this in production with CEVA at Zalando volumes is the strongest proof point we have,” said Dr. Ralf Gulde, CEO and Co-Founder, Sereact.
About Sereact
Sereact develops Physical AI software that enables robots to grasp, identify and handle objects they have never seen before. Founded in Stuttgart by Dr. Ralf Gulde and Marc Tuscher, the company raised a $116 million Series B in 2026. Customers include Zalando, IKEA, DHL, Rohlik, Arvato, alza.cz, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Daimler Truck. For more information, visit: sereact.ai.
About CEVA Logistics
CEVA Logistics, a world leader in third-party logistics, provides global supply chain solutions to connect people, products and providers all around the world. Headquartered in Marseille, France, CEVA Logistics offers a broad range of end-to-end, customized solutions in contract logistics and air, ocean, ground and finished vehicle transport in more than 170 countries worldwide thanks to its approximately 110,000 employees at more than 1,700 facilities. With 2025 revenue of US$18.3 billion, CEVA Logistics is part of the CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions.
About Zalando
Founded in Berlin in 2008, Zalando is the leading European technology platform for fashion and lifestyle. The Zalando group connects 62 million active customers with more than 7,000 brands across 29 markets. Our operations are built on a unique AI-powered data and infrastructure platform. For our customers, our multi-app approach—comprising Zalando, ABOUT YOU, and Lounge by Zalando—delivers an inspiring, highly personalised shopping experience, serving different customers with different needs. For our partners, we are building the operating system for e-commerce. Through ZEOS, Tradebyte, and SCAYLE, we open our logistics, software, and service capabilities to brands and retailers, enabling them to seamlessly scale their businesses across borders.
Want to amplify your startup’s story? EU Startup News is your launchpad to reach startup founders, investors, and C-level execs across Europe. Discover our tailored promotional strategies such as Sponsored Articles and Partnerships. Click here to learn more or contact us directly at pitch@eustartup.news. Join us, and let’s make your startup the talk of Europe!
