NAPA is advancing its warehouse automation strategy with a multi-robot storage and retrieval system engineered by Hy-Tek Intralogistics, following a separate robotics agreement with Brightpick earlier this year.
NAPA Auto Parts has selected Hai Robotics and Hy-Tek Intralogistics to develop an automated warehouse fulfillment system, marking another robotics partnership for the automotive parts distributor in 2026.
Announced October 15, the project combines Hai Robotics’ automated storage and retrieval technology with Hy-Tek’s systems integration expertise. Hy-Tek has engineered a multi-robot solution using technology from the HaiPick Systems portfolio to support NAPA’s flow-center operations.
The selection follows a separate agreement announced in February between NAPA and warehouse robotics company Brightpick, involving more than 100 robots at an additional distribution site.
The two announcements show NAPA working with multiple automation providers as it evaluates and expands robotic fulfillment capabilities across its distribution operations.
Multi-robot system designed for diverse inventory
The latest project centers on an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) designed to handle different stock-keeping-unit (SKU) profiles within a unified warehouse operation.
Hy-Tek is engineering and integrating the solution, using technology supplied by Hai Robotics from its HaiPick Systems portfolio.
According to the companies, the system is designed to increase storage density, improve order throughput and accuracy, and provide flexibility as NAPA’s fulfillment requirements evolve.
These capabilities are particularly relevant to automotive aftermarket distribution, where warehouses handle a broad assortment of replacement parts, accessories and supplies while supporting frequent replenishment across a geographically dispersed store network.
NAPA operates nearly 6,000 auto parts stores in the United States, supported by nationwide distribution centers. Its network carries approximately 800,000 available parts, accessories and supplies, according to company information included in the announcement.
The companies have not disclosed the specific HaiPick robot models selected, the number of robots involved or the planned system’s storage capacity.
Warehouse testing preceded technology selection
Before implementation, NAPA and its technology partners evaluated the proposed automation system in a working warehouse environment.
NAPA, Hai Robotics and Hy-Tek used Hy-Tek’s Innovation Lab during the design process to assess system performance and refine the configuration against NAPA’s operational requirements.
Tyler Park, senior director in design engineering at NAPA, said the company wanted a solution that would meet its current operational needs while providing flexibility as its distribution network evolves.
Park also emphasized the importance of evaluating the technology before implementation to establish whether the proposed system could meet those requirements.
The testing process is a notable part of the project. Rather than assessing individual robotics capabilities alone, the companies evaluated how the proposed automation would operate within NAPA’s warehouse environment.
Hy-Tek’s role therefore extends beyond equipment supply to engineering an integrated system around the distributor’s inventory and fulfillment requirements.
The announcement does not establish that the system has entered commercial operation. Nor does it provide quantified results for throughput improvements, labor productivity, order accuracy or return on investment.
NAPA previously expanded robotics partnership with Brightpick
The Hai Robotics selection follows another warehouse automation initiative announced by NAPA and Brightpick eight months earlier.
On February 18, Brightpick disclosed that NAPA had agreed to deploy its robotic fulfillment technology at an additional distribution location, following a pilot project that began in 2025.
The first project under that agreement was planned to involve more than 100 robots, with the possibility of further installations at other NAPA facilities.
Brightpick’s goods-to-person robotics technology supports warehouse activities including inventory handling and order processing. The company said its system would be integrated with NAPA’s existing warehouse operations to improve handling, replenishment and fulfillment performance.
That agreement provides context for the latest announcement. NAPA has now publicly identified two robotics providers involved in its warehouse automation initiatives during 2026.
The relationship between the projects remains unclear. The companies have not disclosed whether the Hai Robotics and Brightpick systems will operate at separate facilities, serve overlapping operations or form part of a coordinated deployment strategy.
There is also no evidence that either provider is replacing the other.
Deployment details remain undisclosed
Although the October announcement confirms the selection of Hai Robotics and Hy-Tek, several important project details have yet to be released.
The companies have not identified the NAPA facility involved, whether the project concerns a new distribution center or an existing building, or when installation and commissioning are expected.
The investment value, robot fleet size and anticipated system throughput also remain undisclosed.
The announcement therefore establishes a technology selection and pre-deployment engineering process, rather than a completed automation installation.
For NAPA, the project adds another robotic fulfillment initiative to a distribution network serving thousands of automotive parts locations. Its operational impact will depend on how the system performs after deployment, particularly in managing inventory diversity, warehouse space and the speed and accuracy of order fulfillment.