DHL Supply Chain is reinforcing its logistical framework in the UK and Ireland through a substantial financial investment aimed at enhancing procurement operations via advanced robotics technology.
As the organisation continues to strive for leadership within the global logistics sector, the initiative maps into its broader long-term Strategy 2030 framework.
According to a statement by DHL CEO Tobias Meyer, the organisation is directing US$737m into expanding contract logistics capabilities, notably in areas like e-commerce and healthcare.
The financial commitment includes the integration of 1,000 additional robots across various operations, which Tobias Meyer emphasised in a LinkedIn post.
“As part of our Strategy 2030, DHL Supply Chain is investing £550m (€637m / US$737m) in the UK and Ireland to scale up our contract logistics capabilities – particularly in e-commerce and healthcare supply chains,” he said.
The move is not purely about machines but represents a transformative step towards automation and digitalisation, aiming to enhance both customer outcomes and employee experience.
Robotics collaboration
Since 2017, DHL has been in a strategic partnership with Locus Robotics, deploying assisted picking robots in the UK, US and Europe.
With over 3,200 digitalisation projects launched across the UK and Ireland in recent years, the scalability potential remains high.
Locus Robotics’ ‘Origin’ models are presently utilised to transport goods effectively across warehouse spaces, eliminating inefficiencies by reducing unproductive movement and ensuring accurate order fulfillment.
This development more than doubles productivity while minimising human effort in repetitive tasks.
Expanding capabilities
DHL’s collaboration with Robust.AI demonstrates further innovation, piloting the ‘Carter’ robot for smarter supply chain solutions since 2024.
These robots are designed with the capabilities to adapt to real-time warehouse conditions, thereby optimising workflows with advanced AI and sensor technology.
The ‘Carter’ robots can manage inventory with efficiency and precision, contributing to a safer work environment by reducing the likelihood of employee injuries from heavy lifting.
Additionally, features such as a 360º vision system and a holonomic drive ensure seamless navigation and operational safety.
Implementing Boston Dynamics’ technology
In 2023, DHL began utilising Boston Dynamics’ ‘Stretch’ robots across North America and has since expanded these implementations into the UK and Europe.
This mirrors a broader contractual agreement to deploy 1,000 ‘Stretch’ robots across the logistics network, providing an example of modern technological integration within logistical operations.
The efficiency of ‘Stretch’, which can handle up to 700 packages per hour and lift parcels up to 23kg, enhances both safety and productivity compared to manual handling.
As Tobias Meyer noted, despite these robots lacking conversational abilities, their efficiency and precision serve to redirect human resources toward more value-enhancing activities, crystallising DHL’s vision for an innovative and people-centric logistics future.
