How Tesco built temperature-controlled lockers for fresh and frozen grocery pickup

The challenge

In mid-2019, Tesco invited Click n Collect into a pilot program as one of three smart locker providers. The goal was to develop the next stage of its click and collect grocery strategy.

COVID-19 made the work urgent. Customers needed a safe, secure way to collect groceries, and Tesco needed lockers that could keep fresh and frozen food at the right temperature, handle high order volumes, and fit store operations at scale.

What we built

We built locker systems in 96- and 60-compartment configurations, mixing controlled ambient, refrigerated, and freezer zones. Each bank runs in a straight line, so colleagues and customers can reach every compartment easily.

Every location reports in real time against criteria Tesco set. A continuous feedback loop with Tesco's teams shaped the design as it went. Two changes came straight from that loop: a finger-safe guard on each compartment to protect customers, and enhanced insulation across the temperature zones.