Logistics conglomerate DHL Supply Chain launched yesterday its new warehouse facility in Singapore that features a high-tech automation system boasting advanced robotics.
The company’s 90,000 square-meter Advanced Regional Center (ARC) has an investment cost of more than EUR90 million (US$102 million) and includes a EUR10.6 million multi-customer automation system featuring advanced robotics.
The pioneering system allows customers to enjoy the benefits of automation solution without the need for significant capital investment. The technological enhancement uses 130 robotic shuttles to pick and store products from 72,000 locations spread across 26 levels, improving picking efficiency by 20% and utilizing 40% less space than conventional warehousing operations.
This is the first of its kind deployed by DHL globally and creates a model for the future of warehousing in land-scarce countries and dense cities where land availability is limited and expensive, said DHL in a written statement.
“We see the Asian region as a swift adopter of technologies for enhanced productivity and efficiency. By 2020, Asia will constitute 30% of our total revenue. Facilities like the Advanced Regional Center offer a ready model of innovations that reduce complexity, improve accuracy and maximize opportunities for productivity gains,” said Frank Appel, group chief executive officer of Deutsche Post DHL.
As a multi-customer facility, the ARC also offers bespoke solutions to cater to specific industry needs. For example, the facility has clean rooms for the life sciences & healthcare businesses, specialized infrastructure for aerospace operations, and customized storage solutions for managing service parts for technology customers.
Purpose-built to industry-leading standards, the ARC facility has been awarded “gold status” for its energy and environmental design. The company has also implemented security measures that are in accordance with global TAPA standards.
Co-located within the ARC is the DHL Asia Pacific Innovation Center (APIC), DHL’s first innovation center outside of Germany and a joint development with the Singapore Economic Development Board. Launched in 2015, APIC is the first dedicated center for innovative logistics services in the Asia-Pacific region and showcases futuristic technologies.
