So many robots, one simple integration layer

Until recently, warehouse robotics felt a lot like that pre‑adapter era. Robots have advanced quickly, but integrating and scaling different technologies across our DHL warehouses has remained a major challenge. Every provider used a unique interface and data format, turning each new technology implementation into a custom project. That meant slow rollouts, higher effort, and limited ability to scale quickly across our network.

Thanks to our collaboration with SVT Robotics and its SOFTBOT Platform, we now have a far simpler way to deploy and scale automation. The platform provides standardized connectors between our warehouse management systems and a wide range of automation technologies. By orchestrating multiple solutions through a single integration layer, we can scale robotics faster and with far less complexity.

SVT’s standardized, plug‑and‑play approach helps us deploy automation faster, reuse proven solutions, and stay flexible as technology evolves.

What makes this approach truly scalable is that it builds on a broader DHL strategy of harmonization by design.

“Rather than deploying robotics randomly, we follow what we call a ‘digital‑by‑default’ approach,” notes Tim Tetzlaff, Global Head of Digital Transformation at DHL Supply Chain. “That brings structure to complexity at three levels.”

First on the Operational Technology (OT) level, an effective portfolio of best‑fit robotics providers is curated, selecting two or three in each category of robot. On the general IT level, a similar approach is followed, harmonizing for instance around two Warehouse Management System (WMS) providers. Third is then the reusable integration layer between OT and IT, which reduces variation upfront and allows DHL to reuse proven digital building blocks, including prebuilt integration connectors via SVT Robotics’ SOFTBOT Platform.

“This is how we manage to scale automation globally while still tailoring solutions to each customer’s operations,” Tetzlaff adds. “It’s this kind of standardization that enables faster rollouts, greater reuse, and modular warehouse solutions that stay flexible as needs and technologies evolve.”

Today, our warehouse automation has grown well beyond pilot projects. Across the DHL global network, we now operate thousands of robots from multiple vendors – each with unique software and integration requirements.

In the past, every new deployment required custom, site‑specific coding to connect robotics to our warehouse management systems. Those integrations often took six to eight weeks. As technology cycles accelerated and customer requirements shifted, integration bottlenecks became a critical barrier to scaling effectively.

Scaling automation isn’t just about adding robots; the real challenge lies in integration. A smart approach is to separate automation technologies from the systems running warehouse operations through a standardized layer. In this model, our warehouse management systems connect to automation through reusable, pre‑built interfaces like those provided by SVT (ie, the multiple plugs and internal voltage converters of our previously mentioned universal converter.)

Once built, these integrations can be applied across sites and regions, allowing us to scale proven solutions without starting from scratch. SVT Robotics’ SOFTBOT Platform creates this common integration layer, enabling multiple technologies to operate in parallel through a single interface.

This standardized, tech‑agnostic approach is already delivering measurable impact. We’re integrating new robotic solutions up to 12 times faster than before. In some cases, we’ve replicated proven solutions across sites in as little as three hours.

The platform is already live in 30 warehouses, with plans to expand to 100+ locations over the next three years. This gives us the flexibility to add new technologies without disrupting existing workflows and supports modular warehouse designs that evolve with our and our customers’ needs.

Beyond boosting speed, the platform makes it easier for people and robots to stay in sync. It gives teams real‑time visibility into human and robotic activity, enabling better orchestration and safer, more efficient workflows.

As warehouse automation grows, the ability to integrate, scale, and adapt technologies efficiently is becoming just as important as the robots themselves. A standardized integration layer helps us deploy faster, reduce complexity, and build future‑ready operations – turning technical innovation into real-world impact.