LocusBots will be deployed for the first time in the Asia Pacific region by DHL Supply Chain for its medical device customers Cardinal Health and Terumo.

The autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) made by Locus Robotics will use the LocusONE warehouse automation platform, which complies with the quality assurance profiles and regulations of Cardinal Health and Terumo.

The rollout of LocusBots is part of DHL’s investment in 1,000 robots in the Asia Pacific region by 2025. 

DHL Supply Chain Australia and New Zealand chief executive Steve Thompsett says: “At DHL Supply Chain Australia, we are leading the industry in automation research and development to create truly scalable, efficient and effective solutions for our customers.”

Cardinal Health managing director Jane Crowe says automation improves employee safety and increases picking and packing accuracy.

“Cardinal Health has led the way as early adopters of Locus Robotics in healthcare in North America, and it’s fantastic to see investment in the same technology in Australia,” says Crowe. 

Terumo managing director Jeff Soo says: “DHL's investment in automation and digitalisation is crucial for Terumo Australia as it enables us to respond faster to increasing supply requirements, aligning with rising demand.” 

The partnership between DHL and Locus Robotics began in North America in 2017 and DHL is now the robot maker’s biggest customer.

Locus Robotics chief executive Rick Faulk says: "We are thrilled to expand our global partnership with DHL Supply Chain into the region.”

Assisted picking robots help reduce time spent on manoeuvring pushcarts through warehouses, lowers physical strain on employees and increases picking efficiency. 

DHL says it now has robotic solutions in all key geographies as it furthers its to deploy up to 5,000 bots in coming years.