A partnership between Manchester Metropolitan University and Sci-Tech Daresbury-based Breathe Technologies has delivered an AI-powered software solution with the potential to dramatically improve warehouse operations across the UK logistics sector.
The collaboration, supported by a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Innovate UK, has produced Orquestr8 Pick – warehouse picking software now live with retail and ecommerce customers.
The logistics industry has long struggled with warehouse picking inefficiencies, which can account for up to 40% of total warehouse costs. Orquestr8 Pick addresses this critical pain point, with customers reporting outstanding results that contribute significantly to savings on their picking labour.
Up to
– 65% reduction in walking distance for warehouse staff
– 30-35% increase in picking productivity
– 5% reduction in shipping containers and packaging waste
– Annual savings equivalent to 5% fewer truck journeys and associated CO₂ emissions
A digital twin mirrors the physical layout and picking operation for each customer, allowing for testing and analysis in the virtual world first.
The success demonstrates the value of university-industry collaboration in driving innovation and growth. Manchester Metropolitan University’s academic expertise and facilities, combined with the practical industry knowledge at Breathe Technologies has created a product that addresses real-world challenges facing the logistics sector.
Paul Smith, Professor of Marketing, International Business and Tourism at Manchester Met, said: “It’s fantastic to see the impact that our partnership with Breathe Technologies has brought to the business and the learning that can be taken forward across the sector.
“The KTP is a perfect example of the strong regional links and passionate commitment that Manchester Met can bring to businesses, along with dedicated support from the first conversation to the end of the partnership, helping drive success, impact and outcomes.”
At Breathe Technologies, the impact has been tangible, with faster deployment of a genuinely innovative product that delivers clear benefits through its AI and machine learning foundations.
“Being based at Sci-Tech Daresbury opened doors to being able to progress our software development,” said Simon Allen, Managing Director at Breathe Technologies. “The KTP opportunity with Manchester Metropolitan University provided access not only to the technical product development through their AI and machine learning expertise but also helped us transition Orquestr8 Pick to a revenue generating product that’s tested and working for our customers.”
The success of the initiative is already driving growth, with Breathe Technologies adding new roles due to increasing demand and adoption. Further job creation is anticipated as the solution scales and further features are added.
Unlike capital-intensive automation solutions, Orquestr8 Pick is accessible to organisations of all sizes through a subscription model with no upfront costs, removing barriers to advanced warehouse technology in the UK logistics sector.
Beyond operational efficiency, the solution supports the logistics industry’s sustainability objectives. By optimising container fill and reducing packaging waste, companies are achieving measurable environmental benefits. One major retailer has seen sufficient impact to consider international deployment.
The project was delivered through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership between Manchester Metropolitan University and Breathe Technologies, with support from the innovation networks at Sci-Tech Daresbury. The collaboration was funded by Innovate UK as part of its commitment to fostering university-industry partnerships that drive economic growth and technological advancement.