DHL: Using Robust.AI Robots to Transform LatAm Logistics

DHL Supply Chain has entered a five-year strategic partnership with Robust.AI to accelerate logistics automation across Latin America.​

The collaboration will launch within DHL’s retail operations in Mexico, where Robust.AI’s Carter collaborative robot will be deployed to streamline workflows.​

Together, the companies will focus on innovation, scalable deployment and driving greater operational efficiency

A partnership for automation

DHL is a leader in global logistics, providing a broad portfolio of services that includes e-commerce shipping, parcel delivery and fulfilment solutions.

It connects people and businesses worldwide, helping to build strong and sustainable global trade flows.

Its logistics capabilities extend across technology, life sciences, manufacturing, retail, engineering and more.

Now, the company has entered a five-year strategic alliance with Robust.AI, a pioneer in collaborative robotic systems.
Robust.AI combines physical AI with user-centric design to make robots simpler and more intuitive to use.

Its flagship robot, Carter, fuses industry-leading commercial robotics with advanced human-robot interaction to ensure it is easy to deploy and can be applied across the supply chain.

The goal is to enable seamless and safe human-robot collaboration, boost productivity and drive efficiency across picking, putaway and handling.

Through this alliance, and following successful deployments across North America, DHL Supply Chain will introduce Carter robots throughout Latin America, starting with a rollout of 15 units in its retail operations in Mexico.

This will make Carter the first collaborative robot to be deployed within the company’s Latin America operations, marking a significant step towards improved productivity, safety and operational efficiency.

“DHL Supply Chain is committed to building the future of logistics through innovation and technology,” says Mario Rodríguez de la Gala, President of DHL Supply Chain Mexico.

“Our partnership with Robust.AI allows us to integrate flexible, collaborative robotics into our day-to-day operations, driving not only efficiency and accuracy, but also keeping our customers at the centre of all that we do.

“This partnership reflects both our short- and long-term vision to keep reinventing supply chains in Mexico.”

Increasing operational efficiency

DHL Supply Chain’s partnership marks a strategy to implement scalable, commercially viable robotic and automation technologies that deliver measurable benefits across its operations.

In the North American deployment, Carter robots increased productivity in DHL Supply Chain facilities by more than 60%, while also improving safety and overall operational efficiency.​

In Mexico, productivity gains have already reached 30%, underscoring the robots’ ability to enhance operational efficiency across the company’s network.

The initiative signals DHL’s readiness to create tangible value for customers, employees and the wider business, supported by plans to integrate the robots into DHL’s Warehouse Management System (WMS) by 2026 through a phased rollout that enables flexible scaling.​

Anthony Jules, Co-Founder and CEO of Robust.AI, adds: “Deploying Carter across multiple DHL facilities, joining a global workforce, and showing value in spaces with varying levels of tech integration, is an important and exciting milestone in our expanding partnership with DHL.

"Choosing flexible, human-centered, safe automation with a lower barrier to entry is a faster path to ROI - but it also shows your teams you’re putting them first.”

Flexibility and scalability

Carter robots are designed to integrate seamlessly with human employees, featuring motor-assisted movement to improve ergonomics and reduce physical strain.

This will scale up to include autonomous navigation and full integration across DHL's Warehouse Management System (WMS).

Carter enables intelligent, autonomous goods movements within facilities through efficient point-to-point operations.

As a result, DHL can tailor Carter deployments across its operations based on each site's technological readiness, with the flexibility to relocate units to high-need areas as required.

The partnership demonstrates DHL's commitment to leveraging scalable and efficient automation, while adapting operational processes to meet the specific needs of each market and site.