How can companies start small with robotics?

Companies can begin by adopting flexible robotic systems that allow them to automate in stages. This approach helps businesses overcome cost barriers by avoiding large upfront investments and integrating automation gradually as needs grow.

What are the benefits of incremental investments in robotics?

Incremental investments allow companies to lower financial risks and offer the flexibility to expand automation capabilities as operational needs scale. This strategy provisions for growth without overcommitting resources upfront.

How do automation needs differ between brownfield and greenfield sites?

For brownfield sites, retrofitting existing facilities with modular systems allows for specific automation adaptations. In contrast, greenfield sites benefit from a fully tailored system from the ground up, which can incorporate the latest technologies without dealing with existing constraints.

Starting Small: How to Scale an Operation w...

Starting Small: How to Scale an Operation with Robotics

Companies can implement robotics incrementally to overcome cost barriers and build toward larger automation gains. Robotics offers opportunities to enhance efficiency, particularly as supply chain disruptions and rising labor costs continue to challenge the logistics sector. Matt Kelly from Hai Robotics discusses strategies for adopting scalable robotic systems.

This story was produced through MarketScale. See how Engineering & Construction teams put it to work with Partner & Channel Enablement.

Promoted content from Hai Robotics on MarketScale.

By Hy Tek Intralogistics · January 26, 2025, 2:54 AM UTCAutomation InsiderGlobal Robot InstallationsHai RoboticsHy-tek Intralogistics

Key takeaways

Companies can implement robotics incrementally to overcome cost barriers.

Robotics helps mitigate financial risks with small, scalable investments.

Automation strategies differ for existing vs. new facilities.

As supply chain disruptions and rising labor costs challenge the logistics sector, automation is increasingly viewed as a solution to stay competitive. Robotics, in particular, offers opportunities to enhance efficiency, but many companies hesitate due to concerns about upfront costs and scalability. According to the International Federation of Robotics, global robot installations were expected to exceed 540,000 units in 2024 — signaling a growing shift toward automation. For companies looking to keep pace, the question arises: How can businesses start small with robotics and scale effectively without overcommitting resources upfront?

Welcome to Automation Insider by Hy-Tek Intralogistics. In this episode, host Joe McGrath dives deep into the topic of scalable robotics with Matt Kelly, Director of Business Development at Hai Robotics. Together, they explore strategies for businesses to adopt flexible robotic systems that can grow with their operations.

Key takeaways from the discussion:

Starting Small for Big Impact: Robotics isn't just for large-scale facilities anymore. Flexible systems allow startups and smaller distribution centers to automate affordably, helping them compete against giants like Amazon.
Tailored Solutions for Brownfield vs. Greenfield Sites: Automation strategies differ significantly between retrofitting existing facilities and building new ones, with modular systems offering unique advantages for both.
Lowering Risk with Incremental Investments: Robotics now enables companies to invest in small, scalable increments, mitigating financial risks and simplifying future expansions.

About the Guest

Matt Kelly is an accomplished business leader specializing in robotics, automation, and fulfillment solutions. Currently the Director of Business Development at Hai Robotics, he leverages over a decade of experience to help companies optimize warehouse efficiency with high-density, scalable robotic systems. Previously, he held key roles at AutoStore and inVia Robotics, where he drove strategic growth through innovative automation technologies, cementing his expertise in advanced supply chain solutions.