DPD, the UK’s leading premium parcel delivery company, has joined forces with Deus Robotics to introduce a bespoke robotic warehouse automation system aimed at boosting efficiency and supporting its sustainability goals.
Deus Robotics, a cutting-edge robotics and software developer, was selected as a finalist in DPD’s EcoLaunchpad initiative—an innovation accelerator that drew applications from over 100 global tech companies.
The programme was created to identify and implement forward-thinking solutions to help DPD reach its Net Zero target by 2040.
The bespoke system includes AI-powered warehouse robots, a user-friendly cross-platform web application, specially designed transport cages, and Deus Robotics’ own 'Rack Robots' equipped with obstacle-detection technology.
These robots are capable of transporting racks weighing up to 1,100 lbs and are designed to increase warehouse productivity by up to five times.
The technology allows warehouse staff to focus on more strategic, less physically strenuous roles, while the robots autonomously handle the picking and movement of goods.
After a successful trial, DPD has placed its first order for the system, which will be deployed at the company’s flagship Docklands sortation centre in London.
Tim Jones, Director of Marketing, Communications & Sustainability at DPDgroup UK, said: "A big part of what makes us the UK's leading premium parcel delivery company is our unending commitment to innovation and investment in new technology.
"We created the EcoLaunchpad to find and pull together the global innovators that can help us develop the solutions to power our journey to Net Zero.
"The next part of that journey will require much more than just decarbonising fleet. We have to challenge ourselves on every aspect of the operation and think about technologies that aren't currently widely adopted or sitting ‘on the shelf' already.
"By working side by side with the innovators, we hope to solve more of the problems, more quickly."
The move aligns with DPD UK's broader environmental strategy. The company recently confirmed a 47.5% reduction in overall emissions by the end of 2024 compared to its 2020 benchmark, keeping it firmly on track to meet its Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-validated Net Zero commitment.
Antonina Iermeichuk, co-founder and COO of Deus Robotics, added: "We are very proud to help DPD automate its parcel delivery operation.
"To be selected from the EcoLaunchpad and be able to work alongside the DPD team to develop the tailormade solution has helped make this a really successful implementation.
"The project marks yet another milestone on our journey to building a more sustainable logistics future."