UPS is exploring a game-changing tech improve: humanoid robots. The logistics big is in lively talks with Determine AI, a robotics startup backed by Microsoft, to combine these robots into its operations, in accordance with sources conversant in the matter.
This transfer alerts a serious evolution in UPS’s automation technique, increasing past robotic arms to extra superior, cell AI-powered techniques.
“We often discover and deploy a variety of applied sciences, together with robotics,” UPS said in a statement, without naming Figure.
What’s taking place
Figure’s humanoid robot, showcased in a viral February video, was seen sorting parcels beside a conveyor belt, hinting at real-world warehouse duties. Standing 5’6”, it’s constructed for environments designed for people.
Our first buyer use case took 12 months, our second buyer use case took simply 30 days
Helix discovered high-rate logistics with a single neural community
On Sunday, we efficiently validated this on-site on the buyer pic.twitter.com/ev5OeSEhly
— Determine (@Figure_robot) February 26, 2025
The precise scope of UPS’s potential deployment stays beneath wraps, however ongoing talks counsel rising momentum.
UPS has been ramping up tech investments, spending round $1B yearly on automation and AI to chop prices and increase effectivity.
Previous strikes embody:
- AI-powered ORION routing system, saving 10M miles per yr
- EDGE and Community Planning Instruments saving a whole bunch of hundreds of thousands
- Partnerships with Dexterity Inc. for “human-like” robotic arms
The why
UPS, and the logistics trade at giant, is battling continual labor shortages. About 76% of logistics companies report staffing gaps. Humanoid robots supply a scalable repair, performing duties with dexterity that conventional techniques can’t deal with.
What’s subsequent
Consultants see humanoid robots going mainstream in logistics within 5–10 years. UPS’s early transfer may give it a big edge, particularly as Determine seeks $1.5B in funding at a $39.5B valuation.
If UPS goes all-in on humanoid robots, it may redefine warehouse work, and set a precedent for the way forward for world logistics.
