DHL, the world’s largest logistics company, is making one of its biggest single bets yet on robotics, announcing plans to deploy more than 1,000 additional robots across its UK operations as part of a £550 million (€637 million) investment.
This ambitious move underlines a significant transformation within the global logistics landscape, shifting towards flexible, AI-powered automation designed to collaborate with human workers rather than replace them. This strategy not only enhances operational efficiency but also improves the work experience for employees.
Transforming Logistics with Robotics
In a recent LinkedIn post, Tobias Meyer, CEO of DHL Group, captured the essence of this initiative. He described it as a critical component of their Strategy 2030, aimed at enhancing the company’s contract logistics capabilities, particularly in the booming e-commerce and healthcare supply chains.
The planned deployment of 1,000 additional robots symbolizes DHL’s robust commitment to automation and innovation. These robots, while not capable of conversation, are designed for efficiency and precision, tirelessly executing tasks that typically demand significant physical effort. This allows human employees to pivot towards more complex and rewarding responsibilities within the workplace.
The Robots at Work
DHL’s initiative includes cutting-edge technologies from reputable robotics firms, such as Boston Dynamics, Robust.AI, Locus Robotics, and 6 River Systems. Each of these technologies addresses distinct scenarios within the logistics process, ensuring a comprehensive enhancement of operational capabilities.
For instance, the Stretch robot by Boston Dynamics can handle up to 700 packages per hour, efficiently lifting parcels weighing up to 23 kg from pallets to conveyors. Its design is specifically aimed at minimizing physical strain on workers during high-volume tasks.
Similarly, Carter from Robust.AI combines functions into an innovative collaborative robot, boasting load carrying, autonomous navigation, and human-guided operation. This versatility, along with its AI-powered visual simultaneous localization and mapping (vSLAM), greatly enhances productivity—reporting gains of up to 60% shortly after deployment in various DHL hubs.
Moreover, Origin from Locus Robotics and systems like Chuck from 6 River Systems support the logistics team by optimizing the movement of goods across warehouses, reducing inefficiencies in manual efforts, and ultimately improving overall productivity.
Addressing Labor Pressures
This significant investment comes against a backdrop of looming labor shortages in logistics, projected to be worth $8 trillion by 2030. Interestingly, around 80% of warehouses continue to function without any automation. The rapid growth of e-commerce necessitates more agile and scalable fulfillment systems, which further propels this shift towards automation.
Importantly, DHL’s strategy emphasizes a harmonious collaboration between human and robot workforce members. Meyer commented that robots are generally well-received by staff, as they alleviate the physical strain of heavy and repetitive tasks, thereby enabling human workers to engage in roles that require critical thinking and adaptability.
Sector-Specific Innovation
DHL’s robotic deployments are tailored to various sector-specific requirements. In the fast-paced e-commerce environment, robots like Carter and Origin streamline high-volume, rapid turnover operations. Meanwhile, in healthcare, automation plays a crucial role in managing sensitive tasks such as cold chain handling and complex inventory management, which will be vital at the new DHL Health Logistics facility set to open in Derby.
As competition intensifies among third-party logistics providers, with companies like Amazon Logistics and FedEx Supply Chain leading the charge in automation and AI, DHL’s strategy leveraging diverse technology partnerships and an adaptable framework could provide the edge needed to meet evolving market demands.
A Growing Robot Workforce
Upon completion of this latest rollout, DHL will boast a workforce of over 3,000 robots in its UK operations. This substantial increase signals a pivotal shift within the company; robotics is no longer merely a pilot initiative but a foundational aspect of operational strategy. By embracing this evolution, DHL not only enhances its own network but also champions the broader trend of automation within the logistics sector.
Highlights of DHL’s Robotics Network
Stretch – Boston Dynamics
A sophisticated high-capacity box-handling robot, Stretch is capable of efficiently maneuvering up to 700 packages per hour. Its custom suction gripper and advanced visualization systems allow for safe lifting and rapid unloading of parcels from pallets or containers, significantly mitigating physical strain on human workers.
Chuck – 6 River Systems
Chuck is a collaborative mobile robot that autonomously guides warehouse associates through their picking tasks. Equipped with sensors, Chuck can dynamically adjust its routes and display pertinent picking information, which enhances order accuracy and reduces unnecessary walking for the workforce.
Carter – Robust.AI
This multi-function collaborative robot excels in load carrying, autonomous navigation, and manual operation. Utilizing AI-powered vSLAM, Carter integrates seamlessly with existing warehouse management systems, driving productivity gains and permitting easy adaptation to differing workflows.
Origin – Locus Robotics
A compact autonomous robot, Origin is designed for high-density picking environments. By autonomously transporting goods across the warehouse, it optimizes operational travel paths and minimizes downtime, adapting quickly to varied workflows without necessitating extensive infrastructure changes.