FedEx Embraces Robotics to Revolutionize Warehouse Automation and Last-Mile Deliveries

FedEx’s Strategic Shift to Robotics Partnerships

The recent multi-year partnership with Berkshire Grey, a robotics company owned by SoftBank, exemplifies this strategy. Together, they developed Scoop, a robot designed to handle bulk package unloading from trucks. This task, which involves removing large bundles of parcels, is both physically demanding and unpredictable, making it a prime candidate for automation. Scoop’s introduction marks a significant step in FedEx’s effort to reduce the strain on human workers while improving efficiency.

FedEx’s pilot program for Scoop is set to roll out later this year, though the robot will not be deployed at every unloading door. The company acknowledges that scaling the technology will require further refinement, but the potential benefits are clear. Stephanie Cook, director of advanced technology and innovation at FedEx, emphasized that bulk unloading is one of the most challenging jobs in its warehouses. “There’s nothing that is off-the-shelf that we recognize will work for our needs,” she said, highlighting the necessity of a tailored solution.

Expanding Automation Beyond Warehouses

The company is also investing in autonomous delivery technologies, particularly for last-mile logistics. In 2021, FedEx partnered with Aurora Innovation, an autonomous trucking startup, to test self-driving trucks in Texas. This pilot expanded to over 3,200 autonomous loads by 2022, demonstrating the feasibility of integrating self-driving vehicles into its delivery network. Similarly, FedEx has explored partnerships with Nuro, a company that initially focused on last-mile delivery but later shifted to licensing autonomous tech. While the Nuro collaboration ended in 2025, the company remains committed to advancing autonomous delivery solutions.

Despite these efforts, FedEx has faced mixed results in its in-house automation experiments. The SameDay Bot, a last-mile delivery robot launched in 2019, encountered public resistance, including being kicked out of New York City by former mayor Bill de Blasio. The company abandoned the project but continues to explore alternatives. O.P. Skaaksrud, vice president of advanced technology and innovation, noted that while in-house development is possible, it is not always the most efficient path. “Developing robotics capabilities is next level,” he said, underscoring the value of external partnerships.

Balancing Innovation with Practicality in Automation

The company’s decision to avoid humanoids is based on both technical and logistical challenges. Skaaksrud explained that orchestrating multiple humanoids in dynamic environments is complex and not yet viable. While he acknowledges the long-term potential of humanoid robots, he stressed the importance of aligning technology with specific use cases. “You have to understand the limitations and set your expectations accordingly,” he said, emphasizing the need for realistic integration strategies.

FedEx’s broader strategy also involves balancing technological innovation with the human element. The company’s focus remains on creating tools that enhance, rather than replace, human labor. As Skaaksrud noted, the goal is not just to adopt the latest technology but to ensure it solves real business problems. This mindset has led FedEx to prioritize partnerships that provide scalable solutions over speculative ventures. By doing so, the company aims to stay competitive without overextending its resources.

CONCLUSION

FedEx’s embrace of robotics and automation reflects a strategic shift toward leveraging external expertise to address complex operational challenges. Through partnerships with companies like Berkshire Grey, Dexterity, and Nimble, the company is tackling tasks ranging from bulk unloading to autonomous deliveries. While in-house innovation remains a part of its toolkit, the decision to prioritize collaborations highlights the growing importance of specialized robotics in modern logistics. By focusing on high-impact, scalable solutions, FedEx aims to balance technological advancement with practical application, ensuring its workforce remains safe and efficient. As the race for automation intensifies, FedEx’s measured approach underscores the value of strategic partnerships in navigating the future of logistics.

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