Vanderlande collaborates with Hai Robotics, expands flexible automation offering

Vanderlande, an organization that develops future-proof warehouse automation offerings, announced it will offer Hai Robotics’ Automated Case-Handling Mobile Robot (ACR) driven systems in its Tote AV portfolio in North America.

ACRs are ground-based automated robots that operate in a secured, fully automated environment for case and tote handling in warehouses.

Collaboration focuses on warehouse project delivery

This collaboration enables warehouse leaders to leverage these technologies and the reliable project delivery of Vanderlande, according to the company. Hai’s portfolio complements Vanderlande’s shuttle-based ADAPTO automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS), which delivers exceptional storage density and throughput for high-performance fulfillment operations relied upon by the world’s largest brands, according to the companies.

Hai Robotics’ ACRs bring a modular approach to warehouse automation applicable for both greenfield and existing warehouses. The system is also designed to be adapted with minimum disruption to ongoing operations, offering an appealing option for businesses who anticipate frequent or major changes over time.

The robotic equipment operates within systems constructed of almost any standards racking, container type and size, and requires lower environmental requirements for installation. Vanderlande’s Tote AV provides options for facilities looking to automate their facilities with ASRS where shuttle-based systems may not be appropriate.

“At Vanderlande, we are committed to providing our customers with the material handling and fulfillment solutions they need to realize their goals, regardless of where they are in their automation journey,” said Greg Conner, president of warehouse solutions at Vanderlande. “We continually evaluate innovations that can be integrated into our portfolio and further empower and provide flexibility to our customers. In shared deployments, we have seen the powerful impact of Hai Robotics’ ACRs and know they are ideally suited for organizations that need to quickly deploy an automated picking and storage solution or modernize existing facilities.”

The addition of Hai Robotics’ ACR into the Tote AV portfolio reflects Vanderlande’s ongoing commitment to integrate new technologies into its comprehensive suite. Designed to answer warehouse leaders’ most pressing operational questions, Vanderlande’s portfolio enables the fully integrated and modular approach that fast-growing organizations need to ensure that their material handling systems are always up to the task, according to the company.

“Hai Robotics is a market leader in ACR technology with extensive experience and successful deployments in North America,” Conner said. “Together with Vanderlande’s portfolio, execution capabilities and project delivery capabilities, Hai Robotics and Vanderlande can provide North American customers with flexible AS/RS solutions with short install timelines and a robust ROI.”

Some benefits of Hai Robotics’ ACRs, according to the companies, include:

• Increases operational efficiency up to 4x over manual processes and workflows;
• Reduce storage footprint up to 75%;
• Increase daily order throughput by 3x;
• Increase order picking accuracy to 99.9%;
• Allows existing brownfield sites or older facilities to advance operations with automation;
• Do not require tracks or structural grid systems;
• Eliminates human travel for order picking.
• Uses traditional racking systems that can be quickly constructed.

“We're excited to collaborate with Vanderlande to revolutionize warehouse automation in North America." said Matt Kelly, director of strategic partnerships and commercial development at Hai Robotics USA. "By merging our cutting-edge robotics with Vanderlande's proven automation expertise, we’re enabling businesses to optimize their operations, increase scalability, and drive greater efficiency like never before."

Want to learn more about mobile robots? This article was featured in the February 2025 Robotics 24/7 Special Focus Issue titled “Mobile robots of all shapes and sizes.”