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In the dynamic world of logistics, humanoid robots are making significant strides, marking a new frontier in supply chain automation. One such robot, Helix, developed by Figure AI, has been deployed in logistics environments since early 2025 and is showcasing impressive capabilities.
Helix, a humanoid robot designed for package handling, has expanded its repertoire to include a wider variety of packaging types, such as deformable poly bags, flat envelopes, and rigid boxes. The robot's dynamic grasp adapts to each type, demonstrating near-human-level dexterity and speed. Throughput has improved to about 4.05 seconds per package, representing a 20% speed gain while maintaining accuracy.
Barcode scanning success has jumped to 95%, thanks to improved vision systems and control strategies. Helix exhibits adaptive, subtle behaviours, like flattening plastic mailers to improve label scans, further enhancing its performance. These performance enhancements are attributed to increased training data and architectural improvements like temporal memory for stateful perception and integrated force feedback for precise manipulation.
Meanwhile, UPS is actively increasing automation in its facilities, with a focus on the challenging task of loading and unloading trailers. Advancements in AI, sensors, and image processing have made robots proficient at these tasks, which resemble a 3-D packing puzzle. UPS executives believe this automation will help cut costs and improve operational efficiency, a trend mirrored by industry players like DHL, Boston Dynamics, and others scaling robotic solutions for truck loading/unloading.
UPS is in discussions with Figure AI to potentially integrate humanoid robots into their operations, but no new information about this collaboration has been provided. Separately, UPS is considering workforce reduction through Teamsters driver buyouts, and no new information about this was provided in this article.
Elsewhere, XPO has recently opened the largest service centers by door count and acreage, while Nissan has announced a recall of approximately 480,000 vehicles due to an engine failure risk. However, these events are not directly related to the logistics robotics developments discussed in this article.
In conclusion, Figure AI’s Helix demonstrates near-human dexterity and intelligence in package handling, pushing toward fully autonomous sorting in logistics. UPS is expanding its use of robotic automation in critical operational areas like trailer loading/unloading, aiming for cost reduction and efficiency gains. Overall, humanoid robots in logistics are becoming more capable, adaptive, and integrated, addressing workforce gaps and operational challenges across the industry.
Helix, developed by Figure AI, not only excels in package handling but also exhibits near-human levels of artificial intelligence, demonstrating adaptive behaviors and improving barcode scanning success to 95%. UPS, on the other hand, is actively integrating automation in its facilities, particularly focusing on AI and robotics for loading and unloading trailers, aiming to cut costs and enhance operational efficiency.
