Fabric, formerly known as CommonSense Robotics, is a technology company that provides robotic and AI-powered micro-fulfillment solutions for the retail industry. Founded in 2015 with offices in Tel Aviv, Israel, and New York, USA, the company was established to address the growing complexities of urban e-commerce and the consumer demand for fast, on-demand delivery. Fabric's core mission is to enable retailers to offer a profitable and scalable same-day and next-day fulfillment service by bringing the automation of large distribution centers into a smaller, more flexible footprint located closer to the end customer. The company has a significant global footprint with an expanding network of micro-fulfillment centers (MFCs) under development and in operation for major retail partners.
What the Company Does
Fabric?s primary business is to design, manufacture, and implement automated fulfillment solutions for retailers, grocers, and third-party logistics (3PL) providers. The company's model is centered on its proprietary Micro-Fulfillment Center (MFC) concept. Instead of building large, expensive, and distant warehouses, Fabric creates small, automated distribution hubs that can be located within or near dense urban areas. This strategic placement allows for significant reductions in last-mile delivery costs and enables hyper-fast fulfillment, which is critical for competing in today's on-demand economy.
The company offers its solutions in two main business models: a platform model, where retailers can purchase and operate the technology themselves, and a service model, where Fabric builds and manages the fulfillment operations on behalf of the client. This dual approach provides flexibility to meet the capital expenditure and operational requirements of a diverse range of customers, from large enterprises like Maersk to individual retail chains like Save A Lot.
Products and Services
Fabric?s offerings are a combination of advanced hardware, intelligent software, and a suite of services designed to create a seamless, end-to-end fulfillment process.
1. Micro-Fulfillment Solutions
Fabric?s MFCs are its flagship product. These centers are built with a unique, cube-based robotic storage system that maximizes space efficiency by utilizing the full height of a facility. The solution is modular and can be adapted to fit in unconventional spaces, such as the back of a store or a small standalone building in an urban environment. Key product variations include:
* MFCs (Micro-Fulfillment Centers): The standard model for on-demand fulfillment, designed to handle high-volume, B2C e-commerce orders for same-day or next-day delivery.
* Nano Express: A highly compact, containerized solution ideal for urban locations. It is designed for low-cost, quick deployment (within weeks) and can offer services like 30-minute home delivery or 5-minute click-and-collect.
* Quick Pick & Pick Me Up: These are solutions tailored for specific use-cases, such as fulfilling essential items 24/7 or acting as a collection point for orders.
* Storage and Sortation Buffer: A solution that helps automate the storage of outbound orders and streamline the sortation process, reducing labor and improving accuracy.
2. Core Technology
The physical infrastructure of the MFCs is powered by a proprietary technology stack that includes:
* Robotics: An advanced system of robots that autonomously move, store, and retrieve inventory within the high-density storage grid. These robots work in concert to assemble orders with speed and accuracy.
* AI-driven Software: An intelligent software platform that manages all aspects of the fulfillment process. This includes real-time inventory management, order orchestration, automated routing for robots, and integration with the retailer's existing systems. The software is designed to optimize order picking and reduce split shipments, ensuring profitability.
* Tri-Temperature Zones: A specialized capability designed for grocery and food-related clients. The system can store and handle products in three different temperature zones (ambient, refrigerated, and frozen) within the same automated infrastructure, ensuring the quality and freshness of perishable goods.
3. Services and Strategic Partnerships
Beyond its physical products, Fabric offers a range of services to ensure the success of its clients' operations.
* Fulfillment as a Service: Fabric can build, operate, and maintain the MFC on behalf of a client, requiring minimal capital investment from the retailer.
* Consultation and Implementation: Fabric?s team works with clients to analyze their supply chain, determine the optimal location for an MFC, and integrate the technology seamlessly into their existing business and real estate footprint.
* Ecosystem Integration: The company?s solutions are designed to integrate with various e-commerce platforms and last-mile delivery partners. Fabric has formed key partnerships with major players, including A.P. Moller - Maersk, Save A Lot, and Uber Eats, to create a robust network that can handle both fulfillment and delivery.
* Go-to-Market Support: Fabric provides expertise in helping clients with B2C fulfillment, B2B store replenishment, and creating cross-channel partnerships, which enable services like on-demand pickup and delivery from a single location.
By combining its innovative robotics platform with a modular, software-led approach, Fabric has positioned itself as a key enabler of modern, on-demand retail, helping brands and grocers meet rising customer expectations for speed and convenience while maintaining profitability.
