DHL debuts Asia Pacific Innovation Center

The forwarder last Wednesday opened its Asia Pacific Innovation Center in Singapore, which showcases futuristic technologies DHL says will transform logistics operations.    DHL opened its multi-million dollar Asia Pacific Innovation Center (APIC) last Wednesday in Singapore at Singapore’s Tampines LogisPark.
   The new facility was established so DHL could create innovative solutions in order to meet evolving supply chain needs and provide a visionary view of the logistics world, the company said.
   The APIC, which focuses on emerging trends in Asian logistics and economic activity, serves as a regional platform for collaborative innovation between DHL, customers, industry partners and independent experts.
   In addition, the facility will invest in analytics, e-commerce and last mile solutions.
   Futuristic technologies that will transform logistics operations are showcased at the APIC, which include augmented reality “smart glasses” for warehouse assembly lines and product picking; drones for delivery of time-critical goods; maintenance on demand vehicles that use machine-to-machine sensors to boost vehicle uptime by 30 percent; and driverless shuttles for quicker, more efficient transportation.
   Not only is the new facility DHL’s first innovation center outside Germany, but is also the first dedicated center for innovative logistics services in the Asia Pacific region.
   “With our emerging markets expected to generate 30 per cent of DHL’s global revenue by 2020, our sustained industry leadership demands that we successfully differentiate our services in these markets through well-calculated forays into new technologies, processes, and products,” DHL Chief Commercial Officer Bill Meahl said in a statement. “The launch of the APIC in Singapore is a natural step to maintain our lead as a frontrunner in innovation, following the success of our first center in Germany. Singapore’s position as an innovation hub, its excellent infrastructure and sophisticated workforce make it an excellent base from which we can achieve strong and consistent growth in the region.”