DHL Supply Chain Deploys Over 8,000 Robots Across Global Sites

DHL Supply Chain has installed more than 8,000 robotics systems at its warehouses worldwide. The logistics provider works with three vendors to automate manual tasks including picking, packaging, and unloading trailers.

Sally Miller, global chief information officer at DHL Supply Chain, said the company began testing robotics in 2017. It now uses systems from Locus Robotics, Boston Dynamics, and Robust AI at sites in Europe, North America, and Asia. Miller stated that multiple vendors reduce risk because startup funding can fluctuate.

Warehouse software from SVT Robotics connects the different systems and keeps inventory, order, and shipment data in one place. New robots undergo testing in cordoned-off areas before wider use. Miller said the company evaluates each site based on labor availability and return on investment.

Miller said robotics reduce the time workers spend walking warehouse floors and take over physically demanding tasks. She stated that turnover is lower and onboarding is faster at sites with robots. Miller added that work has shifted toward supervising robots and analyzing data from computer vision systems.

Miller said the technology decreases reliance on labor. She noted that sites where hiring is difficult are prioritized for robotics deployment. DHL Supply Chain operates 2,800 sites globally and plans to scale successful systems across them.

U.S. 7 million by September 2025, according to McKinsey data cited in the report. Venture capital funding for robotics rose threefold from 2023 to 2025. Miller said high investment levels may produce additional useful products for warehouse operations.