Why DHL is Investing US$737m in UK&I Robotics Expansion

DHL Supply Chain is committed to its investment in the UK and Ireland, helping improve logistics efficiency by introducing robotics to DHL warehouses.

The AI-powered bots are allowing DHL employees to focus on activities aside from package lifting and trolley pushing, resulting in more focused and efficient work.

As part of DHL's Strategy 2030, it is consistently seeking and acting on new market opportunities as a means to solidify itself as a leader in global logistics.

A serious investment

Discussing the investment, DHL CEO Tobias Meyer posted to LinkedIn: "As part of our Strategy 2030, DHL Supply Chain is investing £550m (US$737m) in the UK and Ireland to scale up our contract logistics capabilities – particularly in e-commerce and healthcare supply chains.

"A key part of this expansion: deploying 1,000 additional robots across our operations. These are not just machines – they represent our commitment to automation, digitalisation and innovation that enhances both customer outcomes and employee experience."

DHL's agreement with Locus Robotics for picking robots

DHL has been partnering with Locus Robotics since 2017, when it first signed an agreement for 500 assisted picking robots across the US, Europe, and the UK.

Since then, both the partnership and the technology have grown. More than 3,200 digitalisation projects have been deployed across the UK and Ireland over the last three years, but DHL has plans to continue this expansion.

Currently, the company is using Locus Robotics' Origin models to move goods across its warehouses.

Locus Origin is a collaborative mobile robot designed for high-volume order fulfilment.

It eliminates unproductive walking time and ensures order accuracy, more than doubling productivity throughout the business.

They can be adapted to use multi-level shelving and a range of containers, including bulk bins and shipping boxes.

As robots don't get tired or injured, they don't require breaks and can carry heavier loads.

Because of this, employees can focus on different activities that bring further value to the company.

Partnership with Robust.AI creating a smarter supply chain

DHL has also partnered with Robust.AI and its 'Carter' robots, piloting the mobile robot since 2024.

It was developed to create a smarter and more reliable supply chain and can optimise the picking process, adapting to real-time warehouse conditions in order to optimise workflows.

With its embedded sensors and AI capabilities, it can build a more streamlined idea of warehouse layouts and inventory management.

Carter has also been used to move goods around warehouses, helping employees avoid injury and strain through heavy lifting.

The robot has a 360º AI-optimised vision system, which improves navigation and safety. This helps the robot, the employees, and protects the product.

It can conduct instant movement in any direction thanks to its holonomic drive.

Carter includes thousands of shelving options and a built-in barcode scanner, allowing it to manage every part of the warehouse packing chain.

DHL deploying Boston Dynamics robots

DHL began using Boston Dynamics' Stretch robot in North America in 2023.

Since then, it has been deploying these robots in the United Kingdom and Europe.

Earlier this year, DHL signed a contract with Boston Dynamics, which agreed to roll out a further 1,000 Stretch robots across DHL warehouses and other logistics networks.

According to Tobias, Stretch handles up to 700 packages per hour and can lift parcels up to 23kg. This is safer and more efficient than relying on employees, who are susceptible to strain and back injuries.

Stretch is especially suited to unloading trucks and containers, which means employees can focus on the less physical part of the logistics process.

Tobias adds: "While our robots might not be conversationalists, they are exceptionally efficient, precise and nearly tireless - powered by artificial intelligence. They take over hard physical work, enabling our employees to focus on other value-adding activities.

"This is how we're shaping the future of logistics: innovative, people-focused and ready for what’s next."