Advanced AI-powered robotics technology is being deployed by DPD to transform its parcel delivery operations.

Following a successful trial of Deus Robotics’ systems as one of the finalists from its EcoLaunchpad programme, DPD has now placed an initial order to ramp up productivity at its flagship Docklands sortation centre in London.

The solution includes custom-built AI-powered software to operate the warehouse robots, a user-friendly cross-platform web application, specially designed transportation cages, and Deus Robotics ‘Rack Robots’. Equipped with obstacle-detecting technology, the robots help increase productivity by up to five times and can transport racks weighing up to 500kg.

The solution enables warehouse operators to focus on more “high-level, value-adding and less physically demanding work”, while the robots pick up and autonomously transport the goods.

Integrating Deus Robotics’ warehouse automation solution supports DPD’s goal of achieving net zero by 2040, a target which is fully validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

DPD UK has confirmed that the UK operation is on track with the trajectory required to meet the group target, after delivering a 47.5% reduction in overall emissions at the end of 2024, compared to the 2020 benchmark.

Tim Jones, director of marketing, communications and sustainability at DPDgroup UK, commented: “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.”

Antonina Iermeichuk, co-founder and COO of Deus Robotics, said: “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.”