According to those familiar with the issue, United Parcel Service Inc. is in talks with Robotics Startup Diagram AI Inc.
UPS and Figure began debating the partnership last year and have been in discussions for the past few months, people who asked that details would not be identified as private.
The exact function that the humanoid in the diagram handles for the UPS remains unknown. The startup suggested a partnership with a logistics company in February,90 Seconds VideoAt X, a sophisticated 5-foot-6-inch robot stood next to a conveyor belt, picking and sorting small compartments.
More and more startups and large tech companies are robbing recent advances in artificial intelligence technology to develop robots that look like people. Figures have emerged as one of the group’s most prominent startups. The company has been in talks with investors to raise $1.5 billion at a valuation of $39.5 billion, BloombergIt has been reportedFebruary. Recently, some have questioned whether they are exaggerating the extent of their work with their client BMW AG.
In a statement, UPS said it would not discuss “specific or potential vendor partners,” adding that it would “regularly explore and deploy a wide range of technologies, including robots.” Representatives in the figure declined to comment.
In recent years, UPS has increased its automation efforts. The company deploys fixed robot arms and AI-driven software at high-tech speed facilities. UPS tooWe are partnering with Dexterity Inc.A startup industrial robot that can provide finesse like a human.
This story was originally featured on Fortune.com.
