UPS Eyes Humanoid Robots for Logistics Boost Amid Figure AI's $675M Series B Success

April 29, 2025
UPS Eyes Humanoid Robots for Logistics Boost Amid Figure AI's $675M Series B Success
  • 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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