Arvato is ramping up its push into warehouse automation after striking a strategic partnership with robotics firm Unchained Robotics aimed at speeding up the rollout of robots across global logistics operations.
The German supply chain specialist said the collaboration will accelerate the development and deployment of modular, vendor-independent robotics systems designed for real-world logistics and fulfilment environments.
As part of the deal, Arvato has also acquired a minority stake in Paderborn-based technology company Unchained Robotics.
The partnership combines Arvato’s operational logistics expertise with Unchained Robotics’ modular robotics platform, allowing new automation solutions to be developed and tested directly in working warehouse environments before being rolled out at scale.
Arvato plans to deploy a three-digit number of robots across multiple logistics and fulfilment sites over the coming years as part of broader efforts to expand automation across its operations.
Rather than viewing robotics as a standalone technology, the company said it will form part of wider automation and scaling strategies designed to improve operational efficiency.
Under the partnership, robotics solutions will be developed around specific use cases and tested under real operating conditions before being prepared for large-scale implementation.
The collaboration has also been designed to support expansion beyond Europe, with opportunities to scale robotics deployment internationally — particularly in the United States.
The US market presents strong demand for automation, driven by fast-growing e-commerce logistics and increasing pressure on warehouse efficiency.
For clients, the companies said the closer integration of robotics into logistics operations should deliver automation at industrial scale while maintaining operational flexibility.
Scaling robotics deployment across multiple sites is expected to create operational experience and implementation standards that could shorten deployment times and reduce risks.
Frank Schirrmeister, CEO of Arvato, said automation must deliver rapid results for logistics operations.
“Automation today must achieve one thing above all: deliver impact quickly,” he said.
“Through our partnership with Unchained Robotics, we are accelerating the deployment of robotics in our operational logistics.
“We develop solutions from practice for practice – and use robotics specifically as an accelerator for scalable implementations.”
The partnership also offers strategic advantages for Unchained Robotics, which will gain access to large and complex logistics operations where its technology can be tested and refined.
Founder Mladen Milicevic said working closely with Arvato’s operational teams would help improve robotics systems and accelerate their commercial deployment.
“Arvato gives us access to highly complex, international logistics setups where we can further develop our solutions directly in real operations,” he said.
“Through close collaboration with operational teams, we increase efficiency across the entire warehouse and bring our robotics solutions to market readiness faster.”
Milicevic added that the partnership would also help expand the company’s modular robotics technology globally.
“At the same time, the partnership enables us to scale our modular solutions globally – from Europe to the United States,” he said.
Arvato said the move reflects its broader ambition to strengthen supply chain innovation by embedding robotics directly into operational logistics strategies.
The company believes automation technologies such as robotics will play a growing role in improving speed, scalability and operational efficiency across global supply chains.