DHL Supply Chain to add 1,000 warehouse robots in 2020

Warehouse fulfillment automation vendor Locus Robotics will roll out a swarm of 1,000 of its autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in a broad deal with third party logistics provider (3PL) DHL Supply Chain in 2020, the companies said on Wednesday. The agreement marks a significant expansion of Wilmington, Massachusetts-based Locus’ existing relationship with DHL. That initial trial had focused on the life sciences and retail sectors, and delivered up to 80% fulfillment productivity increases in selected operations, DHL said. The new contract will see LocusBots supporting picking operations in 12 DHL sites in North America this year. "The agreement with Locus Robotics further enables us to bring productivity-enhancing technology to our customers quickly, so they are well-positioned to capitalize on new and emerging opportunities,” Jim Gehr, president, Retail at DHL Supply Chain North America, said in a release.