UPS has unveiled the deployment of various automation systems across its logistic platforms, marking a significant leap in integrating a range of robotic systems and digital technologies. This move, according to the American company, is aimed at optimizing package flow and enhancing worker safety—a goal set to be fast-tracked by advancements in artificial intelligence. Presently, UPS is leveraging picking and placing technologies provided by Dexterity, Fortna, and Plus One Robotics to assist employees in sorting small packages, a task characterized by repetitive actions and customer demand sensitivity. These technologies are expected to simplify these tasks while ensuring greater safety for the workforce.
Furthermore, UPS is making use of Pickle Robot's unloading technologies to ease the intricate task of unloading trailers, thereby making the role less physically demanding for employees and ensuring improved care and reliability of packages. The company is also employing autonomously driven vehicles supplied by Dane Technologies, Geekplus, Locus Robotics, Crown Lift Trucks, and Toyota-Raymond. Many of these Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) securely and efficiently transport small packages and irregular-sized shipments within facilities. Irregular shipments, which do not fit on conveyor belts and can often be heavy and cumbersome, are a particular focus of these efforts.
In addition to these mechanical innovations, UPS is harnessing digital technologies to ensure the security of every delivery worldwide. Utilizing systems like Delivery Photo and Delivery Defense, the company aims to reduce fraud for its customers. These innovations have already been implemented in some logistic platforms in the United States. By 2023, 57 percent of the packages processed by the UPS network passed through automated facilities powered by the latest technologies in sorting, processing, and data acquisition.
