UPS in Talks with Figure AI to Deploy Humanoid Robots for Logistics Operations

US delivery giant seeks Figure humanoid robots for package handling

If reports circulating are to be believed, shipping and logistics company United Parcel Service (UPS) is eyeing a partnership with robotics startup Figure AI. The partnership aims to deploy the latter's humanoid robots in the company's day-to-day operations. According to a report by Bloomberg, discussions between the two US-based firms are underway and could bear fruit. The two companies had started a dialogue around the topic in 2024, and the final deal could be materialized real soon. Humanoid robots have entered multiple fields of work in the US and around the globe, ranging from working in car workshops to engaging customers at front desks and more. If the talks between Figure AI and UPS conclude positively, this could open a new frontier for robots. As per the Bloomberg report, it is still unclear what specific roles Figure AI's humanoid robots will play in the daily operations of UPS. However, as has been seen in the past, they can manage a lot of functions, ranging from sorting shipments to delivering and collecting them. Earlier in February this year, Figure AI had uploaded a 90-second high-speed teaser of its Figure 02 humanoid robots picking up and sorting logistics at a continuous pace.

UPS Reportedly Discusses Deploying Humanoid Robots with Figure AI | AIM

The talks began last year and have continued into recent months, with the scope of work for the robots yet to be finalised. UPS and Figure have not publicly confirmed specific roles. In February, Figure posted a video showing its robot picking and sorting parcels beside a conveyor belt, suggesting potential logistics tasks. The move comes as UPS seeks new ways to expand its automation efforts, while Figure AI aims to position itself among the leading developers of humanoid robotics. Startups and major technology firms are increasingly advancing the development of humanoid robots through breakthroughs in AI. Figure AI has drawn significant attention in this area and released Helix, a Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model that allows humanoid robots to perform complex tasks using natural language. A UPS spokesperson told Bloomberg that the company would not comment on "specific or potential vendor partners," but added, "We regularly explore and deploy a wide range of technologies, including robotics." UPS has already integrated automation technologies into its operations, including robotic arms and AI-powered sorting software at its Velocity facilities. It has also previously partnered with Dexterity, a company producing robots with fine motor skills for warehouse tasks. Additionally, it has explored robotic unloading and autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) through partnerships with Pickle Robot, Dane Technologies, and other companies. Meanwhile, Figure recently introduced learned natural walking for its Figure 02 humanoid robot, making it capable of human-like movements. This development aimed to enhance the robot's adaptability for both industrial and domestic applications by mimicking natural human locomotion, thereby compressing years of simulated training into hours.

Report: UPS Considering Partnership With Robotics Startup Figure AI | PYMNTS.com

UPS and Figure AI are reportedly considering a partnership in which the robotics startup's humanoid robots would perform some tasks in the logistics company's operations. Discussions between the two companies are ongoing, Bloomberg reported Monday (April 28), citing unnamed sources. UPS said in the report that it wouldn't discuss potential vendor partners and that it regularly explores a wide range of technologies, including robotics. The functions that would be performed by the robots in a potential partnership is not clear, the report said. The report added that Figure AI posted a video on X in February that showed robots sorting small parcels on a conveyor belt. Figure AI announced in February that it raised $675 million in a Series B funding round. In conjunction with this investment, the company said it entered into a collaboration agreement with OpenAI to develop AI models for humanoid robots and will leverage Microsoft Azure for AI infrastructure, training and storage. "Our vision at Figure is to bring humanoid robots into commercial operations as soon as possible," Figure Founder and CEO Brett Adcock said in the Feb. 29 press release. "This investment, combined with our partnership with OpenAI and Microsoft, ensures that we are well prepared to bring embodied AI into the world to make a transformative impact on humanity."

UPS in talks with Figure AI for possible robotics partnership - Bloomberg By Investing.com

Investing.com -- United Parcel Service Inc. (NYSE:UPS) is currently in discussions with Figure AI Inc., a robotics startup, to potentially use humanoid robots for certain tasks within the UPS network. The talks began last year and have been ongoing in recent months, according to a report from Bloomberg, citing individuals who are familiar with the situation but requested anonymity due to the private nature of the discussions. The specific roles that Figure's humanoid robots would perform for UPS are not yet clear. In February, Figure AI hinted at a possible collaboration with a logistics company by posting a 90-second video. The video featured a 5-foot-6-inch robot standing next to a conveyor belt, picking and sorting small parcels. UPS declined to comment on "specific or potential vendor partners" but acknowledged that the company regularly explores and deploys a variety of technologies, including robotics. A representative from Figure AI chose not to comment on the matter.