DHL to Add 1,000+ Robots to Boost UK E-Commerce and Healthcare Ops
DHL Supply Chain has announced a major investment of £550 million (€637 million) to expand its infrastructure and accelerate the deployment of automation technologies across its customer operations in the UK and Ireland. This investment is specifically aimed at meeting rising demand in two of the region’s fastest-growing sectors: e-commerce and life sciences healthcare.
The announcement reinforces the UK’s strategic importance within DHL’s global logistics network and aligns closely with DHL Group’s overarching Strategy 2030, which focuses on digitalisation, automation, and building resilient cross-border trade capabilities. The investment also coincides with the UK Government’s launch of its new Trade Strategy, which aims to increase global market access for British businesses and support high-growth sectors.
Strategic Growth Through Automation
Over the past three years, DHL Supply Chain has invested more than €1 billion in automation across the UK, Ireland, and the wider EMEA region, deploying over 3,200 digitalisation projects. The latest £550 million investment will further scale up these efforts, bringing an additional 1,000+ robots into DHL’s UK operations. These robots will work alongside human employees to enhance productivity, reduce physical strain, and improve service levels.
Saul Resnick, CEO of DHL Supply Chain UK & Ireland, explained the rationale behind the investment:
“Our investment reflects the growing opportunities across the UK market. Customers are increasingly recognising the benefits of digitalisation, and we’ve already surpassed last year’s number of deployments. The integration of robotics and automation is becoming more sophisticated, delivering faster ROI and deeper value across industries.”
He added that the company is tailoring its infrastructure specifically to meet the needs of high-growth sectors like e-commerce and healthcare, ensuring DHL remains the go-to provider for complex, large-scale logistics.
Innovative Technologies and Strategic Partnerships
A key aspect of DHL’s automation strategy is its collaboration with leading robotics and technology companies. Rather than traditional vendor relationships, DHL is co-developing, testing, and scaling solutions with strategic partners. This has already resulted in the deployment of over 2,000 robots in operations across the UK, Ireland, and EMEA.
Notably, DHL has integrated more than 750 Assisted Picking Robots from partners Locus Robotics and 6 River Systems into 18 UK sites. In a UK-first, DHL has also introduced the Boston Dynamics “Stretch” robot for container unloading. The Stretch robot can handle up to 700 boxes per hour, dramatically improving throughput in fast-paced environments like e-commerce fulfillment centers while reducing physical strain on employees.
Tim Tetzlaff, Global Head of Digital Transformation at DHL Supply Chain, highlighted the company’s sector-specific approach:
“We’re driving the next wave of automation with intelligent, adaptive technologies tailored to the specific needs of each sector. In e-commerce, for instance, we’re scaling fulfilment capabilities with automated solutions that streamline high-volume operations. In healthcare, we’re using automation to improve responsiveness and manage supply chain complexity, while maintaining full end-to-end visibility.”
Expanding Healthcare Logistics Infrastructure
As part of the broader investment, DHL will also open a new Health Logistics facility in Derby. Designed specifically for the life sciences and healthcare sector—projected to see double-digit growth in the UK over the next five years—the facility will include cold chain and cleanroom capabilities. It will serve as a critical hub in DHL’s global Health Logistics network, offering specialized infrastructure to meet the needs of pharmaceutical and medical customers.
This investment comes at a time when the healthcare industry is increasingly prioritizing patient-centric approaches, personalized treatments, and faster access to therapies. DHL’s advanced logistics capabilities aim to support these shifts by enabling more agile and efficient supply chains.
Supporting the UK’s Global Trade Ambitions
The timing of DHL’s announcement is significant, coinciding with the UK Government’s new Trade Strategy—its first since leaving the EU. The strategy emphasizes strengthening global trade networks, supporting high-growth sectors, and unlocking an estimated £5 billion in new opportunities for British businesses.
DHL’s commitment to investing in the UK aligns directly with this national strategy. By scaling up its automation and logistics infrastructure, DHL is reinforcing the UK’s position as a resilient and competitive player in global commerce.
The UK remains one of DHL Supply Chain’s most strategically important markets, underpinned by strong trade foundations and a track record of innovation and adaptability. With trade patterns evolving and global supply chains facing increasing complexity, DHL’s expansion positions the company—and the UK logistics sector more broadly—for continued leadership in a fast-changing world.