As indicated by Dematic’s recent study, on-demand robotics and warehouse-as-a-service (WaaS) models have emerged as attractive order picking options, particularly for small and midsized operators. On the surface, they offer flexibility, reduced upfront CapEx (capital expenditure) and the ability to scale capacity up or down as needed. While they can deliver short-term benefits, they do not guarantee long-term success.
This article was first published in the May 1st 2026 issue of Warehouse & Logistics News, subscribe to the magazine by clicking here.
With the ability to sort up to 28,000 items per hour (depending on product size, sorter type, and batch composition), the EuroSort E-Sort enables significant capacity growth in a very small footprint. Its SmartWall setup supports many sorting destinations in a confined space, enabling quicker order processing without the need to expand facilities. The benefits are clear: increased throughput without needing more labour, improved space utilisation, minimising new infrastructure needs, flexibility to manage various workflows, including e-commerce, retail, and returns, all in one system and scalable growth, allowing phased investment aligned with demand.
Hai Robotics has announced an upgraded version of its HaiPick Climb automated storage and picking system, enhancing throughput performance, storage density, and workflow flexibility while maintaining the simplicity and reliability of its proven system architecture. Built on the existing HaiPick Climb platform, the upgrade reflects real-world feedback from customers and partners and addresses evolving operational demands across warehouse environments. The upgraded system leverages agile robots and intelligent orchestration to deliver totes to picking stations in under two minutes, enabling up to 4,000 deliveries per hour.
Brightpick, a leading provider of AI-powered robotic automation for warehouses, has announced a strategic partnership with NAPA, a major U.S. retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts, accessories, and service items, to deploy advanced automation technology across their distribution centres. Through this partnership, Brightpick’s robotic solutions will improve overall warehouse performance to support NAPA’s nationwide store network. The first project under this agreement will include more than 100 Brightpick robots to support high-volume processing.
Automotive manufacturer Renault has installed the Easy WMS warehouse management system in its production warehouse in Seville, Spain. Easy WMS, the warehouse management system developed by Mecalux Software Solutions, spearheads all in-warehouse processes taking place at the Renault installation, including the input of goods from the machine shops, picking tasks and sending products to the manufacturing lines and/or to dispatch. For smooth running of the various warehouse operations, Easy WMS is in ongoing communication with GPT, as well as with the automatic robot that organises the assembly lines.
Waas order picking options offer flexibility and reduced upfront expenditure.
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