In today’s evolving and dynamic logistics landscape, the question for businesses is no longer if they should adopt new technologies but rather how quickly and effectively they can implement the right technology solutions. We are witnessing an unprecedented acceleration in technology adoption across the sector, driven by changing customer expectations for speed, varied services and low costs, set against a challenging economic backdrop.
Breaking down barriers
While we have seen a huge surge in the deployment of technology over recent years, businesses of all sizes are looking for the most financially viable way forward. Robotics as a Service (RaaS) models have been key to this, reducing historical barriers to technology adoption. RaaS has proven particularly effective with entry-level technologies, like assisted-picking robotics, serving as both immediate efficiency drivers and stepping stones to more sophisticated automation.
By leveraging strategic partnerships, we are making advanced automation accessible to a broader range of businesses. Our portfolio spans the full spectrum of automation needs, from major container unloading systems like Boston Dynamics’ Stretch robots to goods-to-person solutions like Geek+ to assisted-picking solutions like Locus Robotics.
Our experience across sectors demonstrates that successful technology adoption requires a nuanced understanding of operational requirements. In e-commerce, where labour demands are intense and throughput requirements are high, automated solutions like Boston Dynamics’ Stretch robots can process up to 700 boxes per hour while significantly reducing physical strain on warehouse colleagues. Meanwhile, in life sciences and healthcare, where precision and compliance are paramount, automation enables faster response times and enhanced visibility across complex supply chains.
Focusing on integration
Successful automation deployment isn’t about individual technologies, however. Instead, success is determined by how effectively different solutions integrate into a cohesive ecosystem. Modern logistics operations are complex and require seamless communication between warehouse management systems (WMS), robotics controllers, warehouse control systems (WCS) and programmable logic controllers (PLC), alongside manual processes. By creating an ecosystem where different technologies can communicate, ensuring data flows to the right places and enabling informed decision-making, we can transform isolated efficiency gains into comprehensive operational advantages.
At DHL, we blend software and hardware technologies to create solutions that can be scaled across our operations, while maintaining the flexibility to evolve with changing demands. The result is technology deployment that delivers substantial returns on investment while positioning our customers for future growth.
Empowering the workforce
Perhaps the most significant aspect of the rapid technological evolution we’re seeing is its impact on the workforce. Contrary to concerns about job displacement, well-implemented automation creates new opportunities and enhances job satisfaction. Employee engagement consistently increases on sites with advanced technology, as workers transition from physically demanding, repetitive tasks to more strategic, technology-assisted roles.
This "superpowering" of the workforce addresses two critical challenges simultaneously: improving operational efficiency while making logistics roles more accessible to a broader labour market. In an industry which is continuing to navigate changing pressures, technology adoption represents a sustainable, reliable path forward.
Looking ahead
The acceleration of technology adoption in logistics reflects the sector’s commitment to building resilient, future-ready supply chains. As a business, we understand that innovation can only have a significant impact when it can be scaled and replicated. With more than 2,000 robots already working collaboratively alongside our human colleagues across the UK and Ireland, we plan to add a further 1,000 to our operations by 2030, enabling our customers to benefit from access to leading technologies.
This technological transformation aligns perfectly with evolving trade patterns. As trade strategies focus on high-growth sectors and resilient supply chain capabilities, logistics providers that have invested in scalable, intelligent automation are uniquely positioned to support this ambition.