Articles tagged with "logistics-technology"
China’s YH-1000S autonomous cargo aircraft completes first flight
China’s YH-1000S, a hybrid autonomous cargo aircraft developed by the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics (CAAA), completed its first flight in Chongqing Municipality. This new iteration targets global markets and builds on the home-market YH-1000, which first flew in May 2025. Both models are capable of extremely short takeoffs and landings, enabling cargo deployment in remote or difficult-to-access areas. The YH-1000S features a high-power hybrid propulsion system that reduces runway requirements, allowing it to operate from secondary roads, dirt runways, grassy fields, and with optional float or ski kits, even water and snowy terrain. It has a range of 1,500 kilometers and can carry up to 1,200 kg of cargo, with flexible loading and unloading options. Designed for medium-altitude unmanned logistics, the YH-1000 series supports international logistics, disaster response, ocean monitoring, maritime supervision, and weather modification. The project
robotautonomous-aircrafthybrid-propulsionunmanned-cargo-dronelogistics-technologyaerospace-innovationdrone-deliveryZipline charts drone delivery expansion with $600M in new funding
Zipline, a U.S.-based autonomous drone delivery and logistics startup, announced a $600 million funding round that values the company at $7.6 billion. This investment will support Zipline’s expansion into Houston and Phoenix early in 2024, with plans to operate in at least four U.S. states by 2026. Founded in 2014, Zipline has developed its own drone delivery ecosystem, including software, launch and landing systems, and drones. The company currently operates in five African countries, several U.S. cities, and Japan, delivering food, retail, agriculture, and health products. In the U.S., Zipline launched a home delivery service last year using its Platform 2 drones, which carry up to eight pounds within a 10-mile radius, partnering with retailers such as Walmart, Panera, Chipotle, and Wendy’s. Zipline has seen rapid growth in its U.S. deliveries, surpassing two million drone deliveries in 2024 and experiencing
robotautonomous-dronesdrone-deliverylogistics-technologydrone-logisticsdelivery-dronesdrone-expansionWing to expand drone delivery to another 150 Walmart stores
Wing, an Alphabet-owned drone delivery company, is significantly expanding its partnership with Walmart by adding drone delivery services to 150 more Walmart stores across the U.S. This expansion builds on existing operations in Dallas-Fort Worth and Atlanta and will continue through 2026 into 2027. Wing’s chief business officer, Heather Rivera, highlighted strong customer demand, noting that the top 25% of users order via drone delivery about three times weekly. Popular items include groceries like eggs, ground beef, fresh produce, and snacks. The expansion follows earlier plans to launch in cities such as Houston, Orlando, Tampa, and Charlotte, with Houston’s launch scheduled for January 15. Once complete, Wing’s service will cover over 270 Walmart stores and reach roughly 10% of the U.S. population. Wing’s primary commercial growth strategy remains closely tied to Walmart, despite having a partnership with DoorDash. The initial collaboration began in 2023 with two Dallas-area stores and has since grown to
drone-deliveryroboticsautonomous-droneslogistics-technologyretail-innovationlast-mile-deliverycommercial-dronesPickle Robot adds Tesla veteran as first CFO
Pickle Robot, a Charlestown, Massachusetts-based company specializing in autonomous unloading robots for warehouses and distribution centers, has appointed its first chief financial officer, a Tesla veteran named Evanson. Evanson, who had been consulting with Pickle Robot since September, joined full-time as CFO. He previously served as Tesla’s vice president of global investor relations and strategy from 2011 to 2017, working closely with Elon Musk and playing a key role in raising debt and equity financing to support Tesla’s vehicle launches and acquisitions. Founded in 2018, Pickle Robot has raised around $100 million in venture capital and is reportedly expanding its partnership with shipping giant UPS. Bloomberg reports that UPS is investing $120 million to purchase 400 of Pickle’s robots, with deployment expected to begin in late 2026 and early 2027. While Pickle Robot confirmed UPS has been a customer for several years, the company declined to comment on the recent investment news. This strategic hire and partnership expansion
robotautonomous-robotswarehouse-automationlogistics-technologyPickle-RobotUPS-partnershiprobotics-financeBehind the scenes of drone food delivery in Finland
The article explores the emerging use of drone food delivery in Finland, focusing on a partnership involving Finnish food delivery platform Huuva (owned by DoorDash), drone operator Manna, and delivery service Wolt. Despite Finland’s challenging weather, including rain and snow, drones have been successfully deployed since a pilot phase in February, now fully operational in Espoo, a suburb of Helsinki. The drones, capable of carrying about 4.4 pounds and operating two at a time, deliver food and groceries faster and more efficiently than traditional methods, avoiding traffic delays and helping maintain food freshness. This innovation aims to expand dining options in suburban areas where variety is limited compared to the capital. Manna’s drones, originally tested in Ireland under harsh weather conditions, are adapted to Finnish climate challenges, though icing remains a hurdle that prompts fallback to conventional delivery methods. The drone delivery system integrates with Wolt Market’s launchpad in Espoo, where delivery workers transfer orders from kitchens to drones under strict safety and regulatory
robotdrone-deliverylogistics-technologyautonomous-deliverylast-mile-deliveryfood-deliverydelivery-dronesGlīd won Startup Battlefield 2025 by building solutions to make logistis simpler, safer, and smarter
Glīd, a logistics infrastructure startup founded by Kevin Damoa, won the Startup Battlefield 2025 competition by developing hardware and software solutions aimed at simplifying the complex process of container shipment, particularly the challenging transfer of cargo between road and rail transport. Damoa’s experience in the U.S. Army, where he worked on loading military vehicles onto railroads, inspired the company’s mission to address inefficiencies in logistics. The team launched three products nearly simultaneously and successfully demonstrated them live on the TechCrunch Disrupt stage, overcoming significant software development challenges despite limited resources. Following their victory, Glīd is leveraging the prize money and momentum to accelerate growth, including launching a pilot project with Great Plains Industrial Park and preparing to release their next product, Glīder. The company is actively hiring across various roles through an organic, mission-driven recruitment process that emphasizes mindfulness and focus. Damoa’s leadership style reflects this human-centric approach, fostering a team culture that balances intense dedication with well-being. The
IoTlogistics-technologysmart-logisticssupply-chain-automationhardware-software-integrationstartup-innovationtransportation-technologyThe 2026 Charging Playbook - The Robot Report
The article "The 2026 Charging Playbook" from The Robot Report highlights the significant shift in manufacturing, logistics, and material handling industries toward the adoption of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and collaborative robots. These technologies are replacing traditional static automation with more flexible and mobile systems that enhance production consistency and intralogistics operations. The piece emphasizes the growing importance of these robotic systems in modern facilities, underscoring their role in improving operational efficiency. It also promotes an eBook from Conductix, which presumably offers deeper insights into charging strategies and best practices for these advanced robotic technologies, although specific details from the eBook are not provided in the article excerpt.
robotautonomous-mobile-robotsautomated-guided-vehiclescollaborative-robotsmanufacturing-automationlogistics-technologyintralogisticsPioneering Teesside Autonomous Airport System Now in Operation - CleanTechnica
Teesside International Airport has launched the world’s first simultaneous autonomous passenger and baggage transport system, marking a pioneering advancement in aviation logistics. Initiated through a £1 million contract with Aurrigo International plc, the pilot program features two electric autonomous vehicles: the 8-seat Auto-Shuttle passenger vehicle, operational since October 2025, and the Auto-DollyTug cargo transporter, set to begin operation in January 2026. By early 2026, passengers flying to destinations such as Alicante, Malaga, and Amsterdam will experience this integrated, greener system that automates baggage movement from check-in to aircraft. The Auto-Shuttle is a Level 4 autonomous, all-electric vehicle equipped with LiDAR and cameras for navigation, while the Auto-DollyTug represents a significant innovation in cargo handling. It can carry a Unit Load Device (ULD) weighing about 1.5 tons and tow up to three additional dollies, handling a total payload of 9 tons. Its unique features
robotautonomous-vehicleselectric-vehiclesairport-automationlogistics-technologyLiDARdriverless-systemsHow ODW Logistics is Innovating with Automation
In Episode 219 of The Robot Report Podcast, hosts Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman discuss the latest robotics news and feature an interview with Brian Chereson, an industrial engineer at ODW Logistics, and Cody Upp, head of commercial for Zebra Robotics Automation. The episode highlights how ODW Logistics is leveraging Zebra’s Symmetry Fulfillment Person-to-Goods autonomous mobile robot (AMR) system to transform its warehouse operations. This automation solution offers strategic advantages such as reducing labor costs, improving order accuracy, and enhancing employee engagement by providing flexible and cost-effective fulfillment capabilities. The discussion emphasizes the growing role of robotics in logistics, showcasing how ODW’s deployment of Zebra’s technology supports scalable and efficient warehouse processes. Both Chereson and Upp bring extensive experience in supply chain and robotics, underscoring the practical benefits of integrating AMRs to optimize fulfillment workflows. Additionally, the episode touches on broader robotics innovations, including the introduction of 1X Technologies’ NEO humanoid robot designed for home use
roboticsautomationwarehouse-roboticsautonomous-mobile-robotsindustrial-engineeringlogistics-technologyfulfillment-solutionsGlīd is building an autonomous shortcut to move freight from road to rail — catch it at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
Glīd Technologies, founded by mechanical engineer and logistics enthusiast Kevin Damoa, is addressing the complex and costly challenge of moving freight containers from road to rail, particularly focusing on the critical "first mile" from ports to railheads. Drawing from his extensive background in the military and private sector, Damoa identified that the current multi-step process involving cranes, hostler trucks, and forklifts is inefficient and expensive. Glīd aims to streamline this process by developing innovative hardware and software solutions that reduce handling steps and costs. The company's flagship product, GliderM, is a hybrid-electric vehicle capable of picking up and moving 20-foot containers directly to rail without the need for additional equipment like forklifts or hostler trucks. Additionally, Glīd is developing the Rāden, an autonomous, low-profile platform designed to lift trailers and move them seamlessly between road and rail. Their logistics software, EZRA-1SIX, complements these hardware solutions to optimize container movement. Glīd offers a
robotautonomous-vehicleslogistics-technologyhybrid-electric-vehiclefreight-transportsupply-chain-automationtransportation-innovationAutoStore adds 7 new features to its ASRS - The Robot Report
AutoStore has announced seven new features for its automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) as part of its Fall 2025 product portfolio, developed through extensive customer and industry feedback. The flagship addition is AutoCase, which automates the loading and unloading of full cases, enabling warehouses to move full cases into storage and pick individual items until the case is empty. This feature targets high-volume operations in sectors such as e-commerce, retail, industrials, electronics, and pharmaceuticals, particularly benefiting apparel and e-commerce customers who ship individual items from full boxes. Another significant enhancement is FlexBins, which allows multiple bin sizes within a single grid, increasing SKU assortment, storage density, and supporting consolidation and buffering. This feature was directly inspired by customer requests to expand system flexibility and capacity. Additionally, AutoStore is introducing a Frozen-Only Grid, a dedicated temperature-controlled system designed to improve energy efficiency and worker safety by storing frozen goods separately while picking occurs at higher temperatures. Other updates include improvements to CarouselAI
robotautomated-storage-and-retrieval-systemwarehouse-automationAutoStoreroboticsinventory-managementlogistics-technologyPorts as Power Plants: Inside the Maersk–CATL Alliance for Maritime Decarbonization - CleanTechnica
The article discusses a strategic partnership between Maersk, one of the world’s largest container shipping companies, and CATL, the world’s biggest battery manufacturer, aimed at decarbonizing maritime logistics, port operations, and supply chains. Signed on October 10, 2025, this collaboration builds on an earlier June agreement between CATL and Maersk’s terminal subsidiary, APM Terminals, to electrify port equipment and deploy advanced battery systems. The partnership leverages Maersk’s extensive control over global shipping infrastructure—including ports, vessels, trucks, and cranes—and CATL’s broad portfolio of lithium-based battery technologies to transform ports from carbon-intensive chokepoints into energy-efficient nodes. Ports represent a critical frontier for shipping’s energy transition because they concentrate numerous energy-intensive activities such as container cranes, yard tractors, refrigerated stacks, and ship hotel loads, which create peak electricity demands that existing grids struggle to handle. By installing large-scale battery storage systems, ports can smooth out these peaks
energymaritime-decarbonizationbattery-storageport-electrificationshipping-industryrenewable-energylogistics-technologyTechCrunch Mobility: Self-driving trucks startup Kodiak goes public and a shake-up at Hyundai’s Supernal
The article from TechCrunch Mobility highlights recent developments in the autonomous vehicle (AV) and transportation sector, emphasizing both progress and challenges. Gatik, an AV logistics startup, announced a significant multi-year partnership with Canada’s largest retailer, Loblaw, to deploy 20 autonomous middle-mile trucks by the end of 2025, with plans to expand to 50 trucks by 2026. These trucks will autonomously manage complex regional deliveries from two distribution centers to over 300 retail stores, marking a notable commercial deployment beyond fixed-route pilots. Additionally, Kodiak Robotics, a self-driving truck startup focused on highway, industrial, and defense applications, went public through a SPAC merger with Ares Acquisition Corporation II, valuing the company at approximately $2.5 billion. Kodiak raised over $212 million in financing, including PIPE funding and trust cash, although some SPAC investors redeemed shares. Founder and CEO Don Burnette explained that going public via SPAC was a strategic choice to access capital
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-trucksKodiak-Roboticslogistics-technologytransportation-innovationAI-in-transportationUK startup launches fastest-developed humanoid robot for logistics
UK-based robotics and AI startup Humanoid has unveiled the HMND 01 Alpha, the fastest-developed humanoid robot prototype designed for industrial logistics, retail, and manufacturing tasks. Developed in just seven months by a team of around 170 experts, the nearly 87-inch tall wheeled robot integrates multiple AI workflows powered by NVIDIA’s Jetson Thor platform, enabling autonomous operation, real-time adaptation to environments, and simultaneous running of large-scale generative AI models. The robot can move at speeds up to 4.4 mph, carry payloads of 33 lbs or more, and operate in confined spaces such as factory floors and store aisles. The HMND 01 Alpha features advanced perception capabilities with 360-degree RGB cameras and depth sensors, 29 active degrees of freedom (excluding end-effectors), and interchangeable end-effectors including a dexterous five-fingered hand or a simpler parallel gripper. It can reach items from floor level up to two meters high and handle shelf depths
roboticshumanoid-robotAI-roboticsindustrial-automationlogistics-technologyautonomous-robotsNVIDIA-Jetson-ThorYC-backed Oway raises $4M to build a decentralized ‘Uber for freight’
Oway, a San Francisco-based startup founded in 2023 and backed by Y Combinator and General Catalyst, has raised $4 million in seed funding to develop a decentralized freight platform akin to “Uber for freight.” The company aims to tackle inefficiencies in the U.S. trucking industry, where many trucks run with significant empty trailer space, representing a multi-billion dollar opportunity. Oway uses a combination of machine learning and automation to match cargo with available trailer space on long-haul routes, significantly reducing shipping costs. For example, Oway claims it can cut the cost of moving a sub-2,000-pound pallet from Los Angeles to Dallas from about $220 to as low as $60. Central to Oway’s approach are electronic logging devices (ELDs), government-mandated devices installed on trucks to monitor driving hours and locations in real-time. These devices enable Oway to identify trucks with empty space on routes already planned, allowing shippers to place cargo more efficiently and cheaply
IoTlogistics-technologyelectronic-logging-devicesmachine-learningfreight-automationtransportation-efficiencysupply-chain-optimizationOutrider designs safety system for autonomous yard trucks - The Robot Report
Outrider Technologies Inc. has developed a comprehensive safety system specifically designed for autonomous yard trucks operating in mixed-traffic trailer yards. The system addresses over 200,000 hazards unique to yard operations through 14 integrated safety mechanisms, including redundant hazard detection, fail-safe hardware redundancies, and real-time health monitoring. Leveraging artificial intelligence, the system enables precise, versatile, and predictable movement of heavy autonomous vehicles (up to 80,000 lbs) among various yard participants such as over-the-road trucks and warehouse personnel. Outrider’s safety approach is grounded in established automotive safety standards ISO 26262 and ISO 21448, adapted to the unique challenges of yard automation, and aims to set a new industry benchmark given the current lack of specific standards for this domain. The company’s safety methodology has been preliminarily validated by TÜV SÜD, a globally recognized certification body, through its Autonomous Vehicle Conformity Framework (AVCF). This assessment confirmed that Outrider’s functional
robotautonomous-vehiclesAI-safety-systemsyard-automationlogistics-technologydriverless-trucksfunctional-safety-standardsHow Warp is introducing robots to automate its network of warehouses
Warp, founded in 2021, aims to enhance supply chain efficiency by automating workflows within its network of warehouses using robotics. While the company acknowledges it cannot automate long-haul trucking or last-mile delivery, it focuses on warehouse operations. Warp began by creating a digital twin of its Los Angeles test warehouse using computer vision and cameras, allowing experimentation with automation strategies. Initial attempts to train humanoid robots to operate pallet jacks failed, but success came from retrofitting off-the-shelf robots with additional technology. Warp integrates AI tools—including voice, text, and email—with robotics to streamline unloading, storing, and reloading freight, aiming to reduce labor needs without expanding headcount. Warp’s robotic solutions are intended to benefit its warehouse partners, who face staffing challenges and labor dissatisfaction. Although Warp does not own most warehouses in its network, it provides robotic kits to empower these partners, improving operational efficiency and reducing costs. The company recently raised $10 million in a Series A funding round led by Up
robotwarehouse-automationlogistics-technologysupply-chain-roboticsAI-in-logisticsautonomous-robotsdigital-twin-simulationWalmart, Wing launch drone delivery in 5 more cities - The Robot Report
Walmart, in partnership with Wing Aviation LLC, is expanding its drone delivery service to five additional U.S. cities: Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Orlando, and Tampa. This expansion builds on Walmart’s existing drone operations in Northwest Arkansas and Dallas-Fort Worth, aiming to enhance convenience by delivering thousands of products—including groceries, urgent care items, and pet food—directly to customers’ doors within 30 minutes or less. Since launching drone delivery in 2021, Walmart has completed over 150,000 deliveries, positioning itself as the first retailer to scale drone delivery and emphasizing its commitment to leveraging technology for faster service. Wing, a subsidiary of Alphabet, operates lightweight drones capable of flying beyond visual line of sight up to six miles from stores, adhering to FAA guidelines. The company has completed over 400,000 commercial deliveries worldwide and collaborates with multiple partners, including DoorDash and Brookfield Properties, to introduce drone delivery to shopping malls in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Walmart is also working with other drone providers like Zipline to expand quieter and more efficient delivery options. Overall, Walmart and Wing are driving the adoption of drone delivery as a scalable, safe, and sustainable solution integrated into existing logistics networks.
robotdrone-deliveryWalmartWing-Aviationlogistics-technologyautonomous-dronesretail-innovation