Arvato Accelerates Robotics Implementation Through Strategic Partnership with Unchained Robotics

Scaling Modular, Vendor-Independent Solutions for Global Fulfillment

GÜTERSLOH/PADERBORN — March 9, 2026 — Arvato, a global leader in supply chain management and e-commerce, has announced a strategic partnership and a minority stake acquisition in the Paderborn-based technology firm Unchained Robotics. This collaboration is designed to move robotics from isolated "pilot projects" into large-scale, operational reality across Arvato’s global logistics network.

The partnership focuses on the development of modular, vendor-independent robotics solutions. By decoupling software and integration from specific hardware brands, Arvato gains the flexibility to deploy the best robotic tools for specific fulfillment tasks without being locked into a single manufacturer's ecosystem.

The Three-Digit Scaling Strategy

Arvato isn't just testing the waters; they are diving in. Over the next few years, the company plans to implement a three-digit number of robots across its logistics environments.

Strategic Objectives

• Operational Impact: Transitioning from R&D to "practice for practice" solutions that deliver immediate efficiency in real-world warehouse conditions.

• Geographic Expansion: While the initial focus is on European logistics sites, the partnership is a launchpad for the United States market, where high labor costs and dynamic e-commerce structures demand flexible automation.

• Reduced Implementation Risk: By standardizing modular blocks, Arvato can reduce the time and risk associated with deploying new robotic cells, ensuring faster ROI for their clients.

Bridging the Gap Between Tech and Operations

The synergy between the two companies relies on Unchained Robotics' technical agility and Arvato’s complex, international operational footprint.

• For Arvato: It provides a "targeted accelerator" to test and systematically prepare robotics for large-scale rollout.

• For Unchained Robotics: It provides access to high-complexity logistics setups to refine their modular solutions in live environments.

"Automation today must achieve one thing above all: deliver impact quickly. Through our partnership with Unchained Robotics, we are accelerating the deployment of robotics in our operational logistics. We develop solutions from practice for practice." — Frank Schirrmeister, CEO of Arvato.

FAQ.

What does "vendor-independent" robotics mean?

In traditional automation, a software system is often tied to a specific robot brand (e.g., FANUC or ABB). Vendor-independent means the control software and modular hardware can work with various robot brands. This allows a logistics provider to swap hardware based on availability or specific task requirements without rewriting the entire operational process.

Why is the United States a key target for this partnership?

The US logistics market is currently facing a "perfect storm" of high demand for e-commerce fulfillment and a shortage of manual labor. Modular robotics that can be deployed quickly and moved between different warehouse zones (flexible automation) are highly sought after to maintain 24/7 operations in this environment.

Will these robots replace human workers?

Arvato views robotics as an "integral part of holistic automation and scaling." In the context of global fulfillment, these robots typically handle repetitive, ergonomically challenging, or high-speed sorting tasks, allowing human teams to focus on more complex exception handling and quality control.