DHL Supply Chain has deployed 10 Locus Origin autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at its Highbrook distribution centre in Auckland for electronics customer Schneider Electric.

The New Zealand robot fleet is part of DHL’s ongoing deal with Locus Robotics, under which 5,000 Locus Origin AMRs will be rolled out globally.

The Locus Origin AMRs collaborate with human workers using the LocusOne warehouse automation platform, which directs AMRs to pick and drop locations around the warehouse. DHL team members assist them by picking, loading and unloading items for despatch.

This collaboration between team members and AMRs for warehouse throughput results in the automation of many time-consuming and laborious tasks traditionally performed by humans, such as walking long distances to pick locations and manoeuvring pick carts. 

This results in faster product picking and team members can be redeployed to other tasks requiring a human touch.

The AMRs operate for up to 14 hours per charge and calculate the shortest possible routes to pick locations around the warehouse, to maximise performance throughout the shift. 

“We’ve been following the deployment of LocusOne at our company’s sites in the United States, Europe and in Australia with keen interest and we’re pleased to be introducing this technology for our customers in New Zealand,” says DHL New Zealand managing director Matt Casbolt.

“DHL’s deployment of Locus One in other locations has resulted in significant throughput efficiency improvements and we foresee this technology providing genuine benefits to Schneider Electric’s supply chain.”

Schneider Electric Executive General Manager Ray Dunn says his company is continuing to prioritise innovation and efficiency in its operations.

“This deployment is a testament to our commitment to delivering the best solutions and experience to our customers and helping to achieve a faster order to delivery time,” says Dunn.