Napa Auto Parts is deploying warehouse automation and robotics to boost storage capacity, improve operational performance and strengthen its fulfillment network as the retailer prepares for future growth.
The initiative combines warehouse automation specialist Hy-Tek Intralogistics and Hai Robotics, a provider of automated storage and retrieval systems. The partnership will create a high-density fulfillment operation that offers flexibility, scalability and increased efficiency, according to an Oct. 15 press release.
Hy-Tek will implement the solution, which includes the HaiPick Systems portfolio from Hai Robotics. The family of automated storage and retrieval systems from Hai Robotics is constructed on a modular framework, according to Hai Robotics’ website.
The goods-to-person technology uses robots to store, retrieve and deliver goods, including containerized and non-containerized goods. The intent of the system is to increase the productivity of the warehouse and to maximize the available space by bringing the inventory to the picking process.
The companies say they expect that combining high density storage with intelligent robotics will produce tangible operational benefits. The system will improve order accuracy, boost operating efficiency and speed fulfillment, enabling faster and more reliable customer service and providing the capacity to handle future demand, the press release said.
Test the solution before deployment
The technology was tested in a real-world warehouse setting in Hy-Tek’s Innovation Lab before moving into deployment. The exercise was conducted in the early design phase, with the objective of validating the system performance and improving its operations prior to implementation.
For Napa, the project is also about making sure the technology can scale to meet changing operational needs over time.
“This project was about designing the right solution for how we operate today and giving us the flexibility to adapt as our network changes,” said Tyler Park, Napa senior director of design engineering, in the press release.
But how much of this will be put into practice is unclear. It’s not clear if the system has been put in place at all of Napa’s facilities. The retailer did not respond to a request for comment at the time of publication.
Future warehouse automation projects
Napa has partnered with Hy-Tek and Hai Robotics to expand automation within its fulfillment operations, following other automation expansion efforts.
Earlier this year, the retailer said it would boost its use of BrightPick’s AI-powered mobile robots. Napa and Brightpick had previously conducted a pilot at one facility in 2025.
The expansion plans involve deploying robots in one additional site, with potential for more widespread use in the future. The technology is designed to cut down on the time workers spend walking around the warehouse, pulling products and moving inventory around the facility during order picking operations.
These are all part of a wider push by Napa to make its warehouse more efficient with technologies that can evolve with the company’s changing fulfillment needs.
Retail Takes to Warehouse Automation
Napa is one of many retailers and brands adopting automated warehouse systems to improve efficiency, control operating costs and prepare for increased demand.
Nuuly, Urban Outfitters Inc.’s clothing rental business, has expanded its fulfillment center in the Kansas City, Mo., area. The company wants to reduce costs by automating as much of its operation as possible.
Apparel maker Cutter & Buck is expanding its automated distribution network to meet increasing demand. Recently, the company opened its second warehouse, equipped with an automated goods-to-person system from technology provider AutoStore.
These projects show how retailers and apparel companies are using robotics and automated storage in their distribution strategies. The partnership with Hy-Tek Intralogistics and Hai Robotics is another step in Napa Auto Parts’ journey toward building a more efficient and adaptive fulfillment network. The scale of deployment of the system has yet to be determined.
