Medline Signs Symbotic Deal to Test AI Warehouse Automation

Medline has signed a strategic agreement with Symbotic to deploy an AI-powered warehouse automation system, marking the first use of the technology in healthcare. The company will begin with a pilot in 2027 at one of its U.S. distribution centers, according to its announcement on April 16.

The system automates pallet breakdown, storage, retrieval, and order assembly using autonomous robots coordinated by AI software. It is already used in large-scale retail and consumer goods supply chains, where it manages high-volume inventory flows and builds store-specific outbound pallets.

Medline said the deployment is intended to improve speed, accuracy, and scalability across its distribution network, which supports hospitals and other care providers. The company operates 45 distribution centers in the U.S. and serves more than 100 countries.

“Our vertically integrated solution of manufacturing and distributing products to all points of care is unique among healthcare suppliers,” said Sean Halligan. “Medline’s strategic investment in this technology will help us provide even more efficiency for our customers and help them meet their operational, clinical and financial goals”