United Parcel Service Inc. is talking to Robotics Startup Figure AI Inc. To use humanoid robots for some activities in the giant logistics network, according to people who are familiar with the matter.
UPS and Figure began having discussions about a cooperation last year and continued to talk in recent months, people said, asking unknown as the details were private.
The exact functioning held by the figure's humanoids for UPS remain unclear. Startup has a hint on a tie-up with a logistics firm in February, posting a90-second videoIn X showing a soft, 5-foot-6-inch robot standing next to a conveyor belt, selection and classification of small parcels.
A growing number of startups and large tech firms seized recent advancements in artificial intelligence technology to produce robots that look like and move similar to humans. The figure appeared as one of the well -known startups in this group. The company has conducted interviews with investors to raise $ 1.5 billion in an appreciation of $ 39.5 billion, BloombergreportedIn February. Most recently -some, some have asked if the figure may have enhanced the extent of its BMW customer work.
In a statement, UPS said it would not discuss “specific or potential vendor partners,” adding that “we regularly explore and deploy a wide range of technologies, including robotics.” A representative for the figure refused to comment.
In recent years, UPS has increased its automation efforts. The company disposes of fixed robotic arms and software driven by AI at high-tech speeds. Ups dinWorking with Dexterity Inc.a start of the building of industrial robots capable of “human-like” fine.
This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
