UPS Eyes Humanoid Robots for Logistics Boost Amid Figure AI's $675M Series B Success
April 29, 2025
UPS Inc., the largest for-hire carrier in North America, is exploring innovative solutions to enhance its logistics operations.
Recently, Figure AI raised $675 million in a Series B funding round and announced a collaboration with OpenAI to develop advanced AI models for its robots.
The company has developed a Vision-Language-Action model named Helix, enabling its robots to perform complex tasks using natural language instructions.
This robot is designed for autonomous tasks, showcasing improved agility and precision through advanced perception systems and human-like dexterity.
However, concerns have been raised regarding Figure AI's claims about its partnership with BMW AG, suggesting potential exaggeration of its accomplishments.
Additionally, the acquisition of Kind Humanoid by 1X in January 2025 underscores the momentum and investment in the robotics sector.
The company is currently in discussions with robotics startup Figure AI to potentially integrate humanoid robots into its logistics framework.
The latest humanoid robot from Figure AI, the Figure 02, launched in December 2024, boasts significant upgrades over its predecessor, including enhanced AI capabilities and improved design features.
Brett Adcock, the founder and CEO of Figure AI, envisions a future where humanoid robots significantly transform commercial operations and impact humanity.
The versatility of humanoid robots is evident as they have been successfully implemented across various industries, including automotive and customer service.
The growing interest in humanoid robotics is further highlighted by The Bot Company, which recently raised $150 million to develop AI solutions for household tasks.
In tests conducted on a BMW production line, the Figure 02 demonstrated remarkable performance, achieving a 400% increase in speed and a sevenfold improvement in operational success.
Summary based on 8 sources
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Sources

PYMNTS.com • Apr 28, 2025
Report: UPS Considering Partnership With Robotics Startup Figure AI
Analytics India Magazine • Apr 29, 2025
UPS Reportedly Discusses Deploying Humanoid Robots with Figure AI
Interesting Engineering • Apr 29, 2025
Brainy humanoid robot fleet could join US delivery giant for package handling
The Business Times
UPS in talks with startup Figure AI to deploy humanoid robots