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food-packagingJuly 8, 2026

Locus Robotics Boosts HelloFresh's Chilled Fulfillment in ASEAN

Discover how Locus Robotics' automation is transforming chilled fulfillment for meal kit companies in Southeast Asia.

The Future of Chilled Fulfillment in ASEAN: A Closer Look at Locus Robotics and HelloFresh Collaboration \\[n] In a groundbreaking move, Locus Robotics has partnered with HelloFresh to revolutionize the chilled fulfillment process. This collaboration has enabled HelloFresh to expand its chilled warehouse capacity from 100 SKUs to 500 SKUs, a fivefold increase that opens up new opportunities for meal variety and revenue growth. For factories in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, this development signals a significant shift in the way cold storage and logistics are managed. \\[n] ## The Power of Automation in Cold Storage \\[n] The initial pilot, conducted by Factor, a HelloFresh brand, involved the deployment of 13 Locus Origin robots in July 2025. These robots demonstrated exceptional performance, with an average mission time of just 3 minutes and 36 seconds from order induction to box drop-off. This speed is particularly crucial in temperature-controlled environments, where every minute counts. The success of this pilot led to the expansion of the deployment within three months, with 26 additional Locus Origin robots added to the fleet. \\[n] ## Meeting the Challenges of Cold Storage \\[n] Operating in a cold storage environment presents unique challenges, especially for battery-powered robots. To address these issues, Locus Robotics developed a heated motor enhancement and charging modifications that ensure reliable, continuous operation in low-temperature conditions. This innovation is particularly relevant for factories in ASEAN, where maintaining the integrity of perishable goods is paramount. \\[n] ## Flexibility and Efficiency in Chilled Fulfillment \\[n] The implementation of Locus Robotics' solution was smooth and efficient, with much of the testing completed virtually before the go-live date. Once the robots were on the floor, final validation took only a few days, making the deployment significantly quicker and simpler than traditional systems. This flexibility and ease of use are key advantages for factories in the region, which often face constraints with fixed conveyor systems. \\[n] ## What This Means for ASEAN Factories \\[n] For factories in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, the success of Locus Robotics and HelloFresh's collaboration highlights the potential for similar automation solutions in their own operations. By adopting advanced robotics and automation, these factories can enhance their efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the overall quality of their products. The ability to handle high volumes and a wide variety of SKUs in a temperature-controlled environment is a game-changer for the food packaging and logistics industries in the region. \\[n] As the demand for fresh and high-quality products continues to grow, the integration of cutting-edge technology like Locus Robotics' AMR platform will be essential for staying competitive. Factory buyers in ASEAN should consider investing in such solutions to future-proof their operations and meet the evolving needs of their customers.

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Editorial rewrite by ASEAN Machine team, based on public reporting from Robotics & Automation News, with added ASEAN manufacturing context.

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