Welcome to this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast. Kevin chats with Kait Peterson of Locus Robotics live from MODEX 2026. The conversation centers on Locus Array, a new autonomous system built to move beyond pick-assist robotics. Peterson explains how Array was built to answer those demands while working within standard racking and tote environments. This episode offers a close look at where fulfillment automation is heading.
Locus Array Expands Beyond Pick Assist
Locus built its name around collaborative robots. Array represents a bigger move into full workflow automation. Peterson explains, “Locus Array is a fully autonomous fulfillment robot system.” She adds, “It covers all of the workflows, all the way through the picking process, all the way to packout.”
That distinction matters. Many solutions automate only a slice of the operation. Array aims to connect multiple labor-intensive functions into a single robot platform. Peterson also clarified, “The robot also does the put-away function, replenishment, inventory counting, and re-slotting.”
The robot stands 10 feet tall and handles six orders at once using different tote sizes. Locus Array can pull inventory from shelves, pick items with an autonomous arm, and deliver completed orders to downstream packing areas. These capabilities are ideal for operators dealing with multiple order profiles.
Why Labor Keeps Driving Automation
The strongest theme in the interview was labor. Peterson said customer feedback repeatedly pointed to the same issue. “Labor’s such a huge problem in terms of availability, cost, reliability, retention.”
She also added a blunt truth many operators understand. “People aren’t picking machines. It’s not a fun job for most people.”
That honesty helps explain why demand for warehouse automation continues to rise. Warehouses are not only chasing lower costs. They are also trying to stabilize operations amid turnover, absenteeism, and constant recruiting disruptions.
Peterson said Locus designed Array around three customer priorities. “They want storage density maximized. They want to minimize labor and increase their operational capacity 24/7.”
Those goals connect directly to executive concerns by delivering more capacity from the same footprint, solutions in unstable labor markets, and better use of overnight hours.
Fast Deployment and Smarter Operations
Large automation projects often stall because they require major facility changes. Locus is trying to remove that friction. Peterson said, “It’s actually very lightweight. It’s all standard totes and racking.” She added, “So from a customer lift perspective, it’s very, very low.”
That message became more concrete with a live example. Peterson noted a newly announced deployment with DHL and said, “Their site was up in four weeks.”
Array also uses software intelligence through Locus One. Orders are consolidated before work begins. Picks are clustered by location. Inventory can be re-slotted overnight based on projected demand. Peterson explained, “So in the morning, you come in with totally optimized order profiles.” The robot gets so much attention, but warehouse orchestration delivers the real gains through faster travel paths, better slotting, and less wasted motion.
Key Takeaways on Locus Array
- Locus Array offers full-automation fulfillment.
- The system combines picking, put-away, replenishment, counting, and re-slotting.
- Labor shortages, retention, and reliability remain the top drivers of automation.
- The robot is 10 feet tall and can manage six orders simultaneously.
- Locus says its network has completed more than seven billion picks.
- Array was designed to pick 60% to 70% of common customer SKUs initially.
- Standard totes and racking may reduce implementation complexity.
- A DHL deployment reportedly went operational in 4 weeks.
