DHL deploys robotics integration platform from SVT across its global network

Contract logistics provider DHL Supply Chain today said it has deployed a robot integration platform from SVT Robotics across its global warehouse network in an effort to accelerate future tech rollouts by orchestrating robotics and automation products from various vendors to work in concert. SVT’s “Softbot” product is a plug-and-play software platform that enables robotics integrations up to 12 times faster than traditional custom coding setups, DHL said. That’s important because DHL already has more than 8,000 collaborative robots active across its global operations, and the new system will set the stage to fast-track future automation rollouts. The Softbot platform is now live in 30 DHL Supply Chain sites worldwide, with plans to expand to more than 100 sites across all geographies over the next three years. By adding SVT’s technology, DHL said it is redoubling its move away from monolithic, all-in-one systems to modular warehouse setups that accommodate multiple automated solutions and can be reconfigured as technology and customer needs evolve. “The logistics industry is characterized by rapid change – whether its customer profile, volumes, or newly emerging technology - so our automation solutions need to adapt just as quickly,” Sally Miller, Global CIO, DHL Supply Chain, said in a release. “The Softbot Platform gives us an effective and efficient way to connect different types of robotics to our warehouse systems, monitor performance in real time and scale solutions across sites with confidence.” According to DHL, the Softbot platform also provides a single, multi-site dashboard for teams to efficiently monitor system-wide operations. “Our operations worldwide are already seeing clear benefits from deploying robotics and automation via SVT," said Tim Tetzlaff, Global Head of Digital Transformation, DHL Supply Chain. "As a standard integration layer, the SOFTBOT platform provides the glue between our warehouse management system (WMS) and our digitalization agenda. It has enabled us to replicate Goods‑to‑Person solutions across Europe with integration work completed in just three hours. We’ve also added new operational technology to live operations in Asia Pacific with zero downtime. The platform’s global, real‑time data access also unlocks significant opportunities to scale logistics AI.”