Auto parts retailer NAPA plans to expand its use of Brightpick's AI-powered mobile robots, which are designed to cut the time human pickers spend walking, fetching and carting inventory around warehouses.
NAPA has signed an agreement to add Brightpick technology to an additional site after running a pilot project since 2025, the companies said in a Feb. 18 press release. NAPA plans to operate more than 100 robots at the site, with the potential of installing them in other locations in the future.
"Brightpick’s expertise in warehouse automation will help optimize our store network’s handling, replenishment, and overall performance to support the growing demand for fast and reliable auto parts delivery," Justin Ducharme, EVP of distribution and logistics at NAPA, said in the release.
Brightpick will tailor its goods-to-person robots to perform seamlessly in NAPA's warehouse environments, per the release. Also, Brightpick will integrate the automation system with existing technologies.
The companies expect the robots to eventually become a key component in maintaining service levels and operational efficiency at NAPA warehouses, according to the release. In addition, Brightpick's automation technology could enable faster processing, greater accuracy and higher throughput for NAPA's store network.
NAPA has a network of 6,000 auto parts stores and over 16,000 auto care and collision centers in the U.S., according to its LinkedIn page. The locations are supported by NAPA's nationwide distribution centers, which carry approximately 800,000 parts, accessories and supplies.
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