# Starting Small: How to Scale an Operation with Robotics

By Hy Tek Intralogistics · Published 2025-01-26 · Updated 2026-06-22 · Engineering & Construction on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/engineering-and-construction/how-to-scale-an-operation-with-robotics
Creator hub: Hai Robotics

> Companies can implement robotics incrementally to overcome cost barriers and build toward larger automation gains

## Key points

- 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.

Block Field

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](https://ifr.org/ifr-press-releases/news/record-of-4-million-robots-working-in-factories-worldwide#:~:text=By%202024%2C%20the%20global%20economic,level%20off%20at%20541%2C000%20units.), global robot installations were expected to exceed 540,000 units in 2024 — signaling a [growing shift toward automation](https://marketscale.com/industries/hy-tek-intralogistics/hy-tek-intralogistics-2025-trends/). 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*](https://marketscale.com/shows/hy-tek/) 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.

Tags: Automation Insider, global robot installations, Hai Robotics, Hy-Tek Intralogistics, International Federation of Robotics, Joe McGrath, Matt Kelly

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