Robotics technology company AutoStore will expand its global partnership with DHL Supply Chain, including the development of five new automated facilities, and has launched a new robot for large-scale warehouse operations.
AutoStore specializes in automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) that use the power of warehouse robots for 24/7 order fulfilment within a cubic layout. The AS/RS technology has been developed to efficiently manage and optimize inventory using vastly reduced space within warehouses. Its modular and scalable design makes it a preferred solution for e-commerce and businesses handling smaller products such as fashion and tech items.
Accelerating AS/RS deployment
Currently, DHL Supply Chain is involved in nine operational AutoStore warehouse projects across Singapore, the US and Germany, with four more in planning. A fleet of over 1,000 robots has already significantly boosted operational efficiency and throughput in DHL's fulfillment warehouses.
As part of the expanded partnership, DHL Supply Chain will become one of AutoStore’s largest 3PL clients, reinforcing its commitment to digitalization and automation in its warehouses. The nine existing systems effectively operate 800,000 bins, with the forthcoming four systems elevating the total number of bins to 1.2 million.
In the future, DHL also intends to construct five further facilities in addition to those already in operation or planning. The strategic aim of DHL and AutoStore through the partnership is to accelerate the implementation of AS/RS technology to meet diverse client needs.
Reducing implementation times
Markus Voss, COO and CIO at DHL Supply Chain, said: “AutoStore’s standardized and modular technology perfectly aligns with our aim to make our operations more efficient, enabling swift scalability and adaptability across various use cases and end-markets – a crucial factor for us as a third-party logistics provider.
“Through a standardized approach and dedicated stock availability we will be able to significantly drive down implementation times. Additionally, AutoStore's network of partners is invaluable in supporting our growth strategy across multiple geographies,” he added.
Growth opportunities
DHL Supply Chain and AutoStore have been working together since 2012. They have implemented solutions across sites in Singapore, Poland, Germany, Australia, and the US. The ongoing collaboration has already led to expansions at all operational sites, resulting in a fleet of more than 1,000 robots worldwide that significantly increase operational efficiency and throughput.
Mats Hovland Vikse, CEO of AutoStore, commented: “We are thrilled to further expand this valued partnership, supporting DHL Supply Chain’s global deployment of automated warehouse solutions. We are excited about the significant growth opportunity that this represents for AutoStore, as we continue to drive innovation in the world of logistics.”
New R5 Pro Robot   
Meanwhile, the Norwegian company has introduced its new R5 Pro Robot for large-scale warehouse operations, designed to free up space for additional products and improving Robot efficiency at a lower total cost of ownership.
The latest version of the company’s field-proven R5 Robot is designed to address the specific demands of large-scale e-commerce operations, emphasizing better space usage, higher performance, and reduced total ownership costs for companies running multishift operations at scale. 
Greater productivity
Carlos Fernandez, Chief Product Officer at AutoStore, said: “The R5 Pro offers an edge by augmenting productivity per Robot during extended operations, optimizing space usage, and reducing the total cost of ownership, ultimately enhancing the customer experience while boosting profitability.”   
He added: “The introduction of the R5 Pro improves both our market position and the value proposition for customers managing very large systems and high-throughput operations, typically characterized by extended operating hours and a substantial robot count.” 
