Innovation and robotisation in our operations
Across our sorting and transport processes, we continue to invest in technology that reduces heavy lifting, repetitive movements and one-sided strain for our people. Building on our long-standing commitment to innovation, we focus on solutions that have real impact, from smarter tools in sorting and new approaches in parcel delivery to the further robotisation of administrative processes.
Alongside tools such as the tilter, which helps employees load and unload roll containers more safely, and the electric tug for moving heavy roll containers in internal transport, we are now piloting a small mobile robot, designed to support our warehouse teams by autonomously hauling containers and freeing up staff for higher-value tasks. Additionally, at many of our large parcel and not machine-processable processes, we have deployed tools such as the ‘buffetkar’, a movable cart that helps with very large parcels. These interventions build on the work of the Physical Load programme, which combines research, testing and operational rollout to reduce strain structurally. Robotisation also advanced in 2025, driven by our continued focus on innovation. At our automated small-parcel centre in Nieuwegein, 175 robots continued to transport containers and feed parcels onto sorting belts around the clock. We further explored future delivery innovations, testing robot dogs, service robots, and early-stage humanoid robots in Leerdam to understand how robotics can support delivery professionals and enhance customer service.
Looking ahead, we are exploring how innovative tools can support colleagues on the road. Our tests with robot dogs, envisioned as future helpers able to assist carrying parcels to the doorstep, reflects our ambition to reduce physical demands and reimagine support at busy PostNL points. While humanoid robots are still exploratory, these trials help us imagine how technology could enable safe, sustainable delivery in the future.