Ocado distribution centre robot charger malfunction

A major fire has broken out an Ocado distribution centre in Andover, UK, resulting in the cancellation of customer deliveries. 

The company initially blamed 'some operational issues'. Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said the fire involved automated packaging machinery.

The blaze lasted four days. It was later discovered that a detection system had failed and employees had turned off the sprinklers and tried to tackle the fire, only calling the fire brigade after one hour. 

The incident cost the firm an estimated GBP 110 million, excluding insurance cover. The facility re-opened in August 2021.

In July 2021, three robots collided at an Ocado warehouse in Erith, south-east London, resulting in the facility's evacuation and the cancellation of thousands of customer orders.