A Dawn of New Era in Logistics
Humanoid robots are poised for a major leap, preparing to enter one of the most dynamic sectors of the U.S. economy: logistics.
United Parcel Service (UPS) is reportedly in advanced discussions with California-based robotics startup Figure AI to deploy humanoid robots across parts of its logistics network, according to Bloomberg. The talks, ongoing since last year, signal a critical moment: humanoid robots could soon move from research labs and controlled trials into real-world warehouse environments.
A February video from Figure AI showed one of its robots sorting parcels beside a conveyor belt, hinting at the type of tasks that may soon become commonplace. While UPS and Figure have not confirmed specific deployment plans, the collaboration could bring humanoid robots into mainstream logistics operations for the first time.
Logistics: A New Frontier for Humanoid Robotics
Warehouses and logistics centers, historically designed around human labor, conveyor systems, and forklifts, represent a challenging environment for robots. Unlike robotic arms or autonomous carts already used in warehouses, humanoid robots are built to adapt to the existing human-centric infrastructure without needing a redesign.
UPS has embraced automation in recent years, integrating robotic arms, AI-based sorting software, and autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) across its facilities. It has also partnered with companies like Dexterity, Pickle Robot, and Dane Technologies. However, humanoid robots bring a new level of versatility — moving through human spaces, interacting naturally, and performing multiple dynamic tasks.
A UPS spokesperson declined to comment on specific vendor relationships but emphasized that the company “regularly explores and deploys a wide range of technologies, including robotics.”
Figure AI: Building the Next-Gen Workforce
For Figure AI, the potential deal with UPS could validate years of development. Its Figure 02 robot is powered by Helix, a Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model that enables complex task execution through natural language understanding.
The startup also recently announced “learned natural walking,” allowing its robots to move with human-like agility. This innovation compresses years of simulated training into hours, giving humanoid robots the adaptability needed for fast-paced logistics settings.
A Critical Step Forward
If the partnership moves ahead, it would mark a pivotal moment for humanoid robotics—not just as experimental technology, but as part of the U.S. logistics backbone.
The warehouse floor, long the domain of human workers and traditional automation, may soon welcome a new type of colleague: a robot that walks, sorts, and adapts like a human.
Humanoid robots are no longer waiting for the future. They are preparing to move into it.
