HelloFresh boosts cold storage capacity with Locus Robotics deployment

The collaboration began in July 2025 when Factor, a HelloFresh brand, initiated a pilot program with 13 Locus Origin robots. These units achieved an average mission time of just 3 minutes and 36 seconds from order induction to box drop-off. Following the successful trial, HelloFresh scaled the fleet with 26 additional units within three months and now maintains approximately 12,000 square feet of chilled fulfillment space supported by this automation.

Operating in refrigerated conditions presented significant technical hurdles, as cold temperatures typically degrade battery efficiency. To resolve this, Locus Robotics engineered a heated motor enhancement and modified charging systems that allow the robots to remain inside the chilled environment continuously. Brad Mesloh, Associate Director of Strategic Design at HelloFresh, noted that the platform provided a safer and more compact solution than previous legacy systems, with virtual testing allowing for a rapid transition to the warehouse floor. The company plans to extend this fulfillment support to its EveryPlate brand later this year.