42 robots boost order volume and packing speed by 89% for leading tabletop games retailer

The fully automated 50,000 square foot warehouse takes Europe’s largest indie tabletop retailer, Wayland Games, to the next level with a dramatic improvement in order processing and distribution

Europe’s largest independent tabletop hobby retailer has radically levelled up its warehouse operations to meet growing demand across the UK and Europe, with the help of advanced robotics and cutting-edge management technology.

Wayland Games has worked with warehouse automation and software specialist, Autrix to install its flagship Automation Control System (ACS) at the retailer’s 50,000 square foot facility in Essex, alongside 42 advanced Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) based goods-to-person solutions. Combined with expert warehouse management and the very latest technology, the robots have streamlined the distribution and packaging process dramatically – improving packing speed by 89% and order processing time by 68%.

A leading stockist of games, including Warhammer 40,000, Lorcana, Dungeons & Dragons, Lego and Magic: The Gathering, Essex-based Wayland Games has transformed its operations so that orders can now move from placement to dispatch in just 40 minutes – allowing the growing business to scale up its offering, creating new jobs and supplying more customers faster and with a higher level of service. Under Autrix’s comprehensive system, the same packaging team is now processing double the order volume, with pickup rates more than doubling since the framework went live.

The transformation allows the retailer to easily meet peak season pressures (such as those experienced around Christmas or new game releases) by addressing key pain points in the distribution process and allowing it to exceed previous order capacity constraints – meaning more customers receive more games more quickly.

Richard Lawford, MD & Founder of Wayland Games, said: “Phase 1 has delivered exactly the business impact we needed for our expansion. We’re processing significantly more orders with the same team size, and our customers are seeing faster dispatch times during peak periods.

“What sets Autrix apart is their genuine partnership approach. They didn’t just install equipment and leave; they’ve worked alongside us to optimise operations and ensure we’re getting maximum value from the investment. The success we’ve achieved gave us complete confidence to move forward with Phase 2 and continue building our automation capabilities together.”

The first phase of Autrix’s automation project addressed a real-world problem for specialist retailers, using the company’s AMR (autonomous mobile robotics) to bring products to special, ergonomically designed stations, rather than requiring staff to walk long distances across the factory line.

It is a process that not only increases efficiency and productivity, but also boosts accuracy in order processing and reduces the physical demands on warehouse staff members. Capable of moving up to 2 m/s with a 600kg payload, the fleet of autonomous robots can easily move between the warehouse’s 700 racks, 46,000 bins and 9 workstations to increase capacity at scale.

Phase 2 of the development built on this further, seeing Wayland Games’ order fulfilment process modernised by introducing fully automated packing technology to further support Wayland Games’ growth trajectory.

Joseph Daft, Director at Autrix, said: “Seeing the immediate impact of Phase 1 validates everything we believe about making intelligent automation accessible to growing businesses.

“Wayland Games represents the best of British speciality retail and they’re a real success story, having thrived as an independent retailer for 15 years. But companies like this need to modernise if they’re to stay ahead and achieve further success. Wayland Games has built something remarkable in the tabletop gaming community – Our job is to ensure their operational capabilities can scale with their ambitions. The success of Phase 1 and now the recent completion of Phase 2 demonstrate how the right technology partnership can drive sustainable growth.”

The project saw the integration of energy-efficient lighting and solar panels, as well as utilising the ACS technology to reduce waste and improve resource utilisation, aligning with both companies’ strong commitments to sustainability.

Following the successful completion of the first phase at the new warehouse near Brentwood, Essex, Phase 2 of the project commenced in November 2025 and is now complete.

To learn more about Autrix and its automation solutions, contact the team today: www.autrix.co.uk/contact-us