UPS is exploring a game-changing tech improve: humanoid robots. The logistics big is in energetic 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 indicators a significant evolution in UPS’s automation technique, increasing past robotic arms to extra superior, cell AI-powered methods.
“We repeatedly discover and deploy a variety of applied sciences, together with robotics,” UPS mentioned in an announcement, with out naming Determine.
What’s occurring
Determine’s humanoid robotic, 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 below wraps, however ongoing talks recommend 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 embrace:
- AI-powered ORION routing system, saving 10M miles per yr
- EDGE and Community Planning Instruments saving a whole bunch of tens of millions
- Partnerships with Dexterity Inc. for “human-like” robotic arms
The why
UPS, and the logistics trade at giant, is battling power labor shortages. About 76% of logistics companies report staffing gaps. Humanoid robots provide a scalable repair, performing duties with dexterity that conventional methods can’t deal with.
What’s subsequent
Specialists see humanoid robots going mainstream in logistics inside 5–10 years. UPS’s early transfer might give it a major edge, particularly as Determine seeks $1.5B in funding at a $39.5B valuation.
If UPS goes all-in on humanoid robots, it might redefine warehouse work, and set a precedent for the way forward for world logistics.
