Medline partners with Symbotic for AI warehouse automation technology
Medline Industries (NASDAQ: MDLN) announced a partnership with Symbotic to implement AI-powered warehouse automation technology at one of its distribution centers, marking the first deployment of this robotics system in the healthcare industry.
The Symbotic System uses autonomous robots to automate the picking, storage and retrieval of items for distribution. The technology depalletizes inbound pallets, stores and retrieves items, and builds outbound pallets according to recipient specifications. Medline will pilot the technology in 2027 at one of its 45 U.S. distribution centers.
"Our vertically integrated solution of manufacturing and distributing products to all points of care is unique among healthcare suppliers," said Sean Halligan, chief supply chain officer at Medline. "Medline's strategic investment in this technology will help us provide even more efficiency for our customers and help them meet their operational, clinical and financial goals."
The partnership expands Medline's automation investments across its distribution network. The company has deployed goods-to-person robotic picking systems, automated packaging solutions and its Pick Pack Pro technology to modernize fulfillment operations.
"We are proud to partner with Medline, the largest provider of medical-surgical products and supply chain solutions, on the next step in its transformation," said Mike Dunn, chief customer officer at Symbotic. "Given the importance of accuracy, speed and cost in this space, this agreement is a great validation of the power of the Symbotic System."
Symbotic's technology is currently used across retail and consumer goods industries. Medline employs more than 45,000 people worldwide and operates in more than 100 countries from its headquarters in Northfield, Illinois.