Supply chain automation and robotics
Explore how Arvato combines automation technologies, robotics, system integration, and operational expertise to make logistics operations more efficient, scalable, and resilient. By orchestrating innovative technologies and human expertise into one coordinated environment, Arvato helps clients manage complexity and improve supply chain performance.
Automation and Robotics Turn Supply Chain Complexity into Scalable Performance
As supply chains grow more complex, dynamic and performance-driven, supply chain automation and robotics are becoming essential. Rising customer expectations, increasing volumes, and labor shortages are putting pressure on traditional logistics operations. At the same time, these technologies are evolving rapidly and offer new opportunities to improve performance, scalability, and resilience.
We orchestrate systems, robotics, and processes into one coordinated operation. This is how we unlock the full potential of automation and turn supply chains into a competitive advantage.
Our Perspective on Automation and Supply Chain Complexity
Global supply chains are becoming increasingly complex. More systems, more interfaces, and more dependencies make supply chain operations harder to manage and scale. Speed, accuracy, and reliability are no longer differentiators. They are the baseline. Automation and warehouse robotics increase throughput, improve quality, and ensure consistent service levels. At the same time, they add another layer of supply chain complexity. The real challenge is no longer implementing individual automation solutions. It is connecting and managing systems, processes, and peopl effectively. Without integration, automation creates silos instead of value. To remain competitive, logistics operations must become more scalable, efficient, and reliable across all markets. These challenges are also reflected in conversations with our partners and experts:
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The real challenge is not deploying robots, but integrating them into operations in a way that ensures stability and scalability.
Mladen Milicevic Co-Founder of Unchained Robotics -
Operational excellence comes from how well systems, processes, and people work together.
Philipp Rücker Head of Logistics Engineering & Transport Management at Arvato
Orchestrating Automation with a Unified Warehouse Control System
Our key differentiator is how we manage complexity. We turn complexity into performance by orchestrating all components of an operation into one coordinated system. This approach is based on modular and scalable automation solutions tailored to specific client requirements. We combine established systems with robotics and digital technologies to optimize processes end to end. A key enabler is our unified warehouse control system (WCS), which connects all technologies and ensures seamless interaction across systems.
We follow a vendor-agnostic approach and select the best automation and robotics solutions based on operational needs. Where required, we also develop our own automation technologies to further optimize performance. The result is one connected, scalable, and high-performing logistics environment.
Key Benefits of Automation and Robotics in Logistics
Our approach translates directly into measurable business impact.
Why Human Expertise Remains Critical in Automated Supply Chains
Our approach combines automation, robotics, and digital control with deep operational expertise. Instead of deploying isolated technologies, we create integrated logistics environments where people, systems, and automated processes interact seamlessly.
Automation and robotics take over repetitive, physically demanding, and standardized tasks to increase throughput, consistency, and process stability. At the same time, human expertise remains essential for operational control, quality assurance, exception handling, and continuous improvement.
The goal is not automation for its own sake, but scalable, resilient, and high-performance operations. This requires strong process design, robust system integration, and structured change management to embed new technologies effectively into day-to-day logistics execution.
Automation Solutions for Warehouse Operations
Integrating supply chain automation is a constant process to increase our performance and to reduce the physical strain on employees. From inbound and storage to picking and outbound, we continuously integrate advanced automation solutions to optimize performance across all warehouse processes.
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Warehouse Shuttle
High-performance shuttle systems increase throughput, maximize storage density, and enable flexible, scalable warehouse operations.
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AutoStore
Scalable AutoStore systems optimize space utilization and enable fast, accurate, and efficient order processing.
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Picking robot
AI-supported picking robots increase accuracy and efficiency in order picking and returns handling.
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Depalletizing robot
AI-powered robots automate the depalletizing of mixed cartons, significantly increasing inbound throughput.
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Automated unloading
Automated unloading of loose cartons enables efficient inbound handling of non-palletized goods.
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Cobot Palletizer
Collaborative robots support efficient palletizing processes and accelerate inbound operations.
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Auto Sorter Induct
AI-driven robotic arms ensure precise item recognition, sorting, and handling of complex product flows.
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Rack-to-Person
Autonomous robots bring goods directly to picking stations, increasing efficiency and reducing travel time.
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Automated packaging solution
Automated packaging solutions increase throughput while reducing material usage and transport costs.
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Automated guided vehicle
AGVs enable safe, efficient, and flexible internal transport with real-time process optimization.
Our Automation Partners & In-house innovation
Innovation is a key driver of our automation strategy. We continuously evaluate and implement new automation technologies and collaborate with leading automation partners to expand our capabilities. Having the right partners is just as important as the technologies themselves.
