FedEx is taking a calculated bet on collaboration. Whilst rivals like Amazon pour billions into proprietary robotics, the Memphis-based carrier is partnering with startups and established players to automate its network. The strategy reflects a cold business calculation: building robotics in-house is expensive, slow, and risky.
The company’s approach centres on solving specific operational pain points rather than chasing every new technology trend. That means targeting physically demanding jobs first, partnering with specialists who already have working solutions, and measuring return on investment before scaling.
Berkshire Grey Partnership Delivers Scoop Robot
FedEx worked with SoftBank-owned Berkshire Grey to develop Scoop, a robot designed for bulk package unloading. This addresses one of the most physically punishing warehouse jobs. The robot will roll out through a pilot programme in 2026.
“There’s nothing that is off-the-shelf that we recognize will work for our needs,” said Stephanie Cook, director of advanced technology and innovation, robotics at FedEx. “We worked with Berkshire Grey in the past and felt this was a good fit for us in terms of a collaboration. We knew it wasn’t something that we could just develop in a matter of months. It was going to take a multi-year journey to get here.”
The Scoop robot handles mixed package sizes at speed. Single-pick unloaders exist, but they cannot match the throughput FedEx requires. O.P. Skaaksrud, vice president of advanced technology and innovation at FedEx, explained the trade-off: “Because we have such variety of package mix, to specialize individual picking, it’s just not gonna be fast enough. That was one of the other tradeoffs that we went with here, because there are package unloaders out there that do single picks. They’re not fast enough and not able to do this type of mix.”
Multi-Partner Automation Ecosystem
FedEx maintains automation partnerships with unicorn startups Dexterity and Nimble for warehouse operations. The company also deployed Berkshire Grey’s Robotic Product Sortation and Identification systems at its Queens, New York facility, handling thousands of small parcels daily.
In China, FedEx Express deployed Dorabot’s DoraSorter sortation robot at its e-commerce shipment centre in Guangzhou. The company tested autonomous delivery vehicles with Neolix in China during October 2021.
Skaaksrud outlined the partnership rationale: “The entire package and developing sensor hardware is complicated, but developing robotics capabilities is next level. It’s much better and faster to partner with other companies in the field to move faster. That is the way we look at it. We see these partnerships as really benefiting both Fedex and the companies we work with.”
FedEx also partnered with Nuro for a multi-year programme testing autonomous delivery vehicles within FedEx operations. The company participated in the MassRobotics mobile robot interoperability standard demonstration at the FedEx R&D centre during A3’s conference in Memphis.
Autonomous Trucking Gains Traction
FedEx partnered with Aurora Innovation in 2021 for autonomous trucking. The collaboration has completed more than 3,200 autonomous loads. After logging 60,000 miles of daily freight hauls, FedEx and Aurora expanded their pilot programme to a second route in Texas.
Aurora partnered with FedEx and PACCAR to test self-driving hauling of FedEx loads between Dallas and Houston. The autonomous trucking push aims to address driver shortages and improve operational efficiency on high-volume lanes.
FedEx is also exploring middle-mile drone deliveries. The company partnered with Elroy Air, planning to start test flights in 2023. These partnerships position FedEx to test multiple autonomous solutions without bearing the full development cost.
AI Positioned as Essential Infrastructure
Speaking at the AI Impact Summit 2026, FedEx CEO Rajesh Subramanian elevated AI from optional enhancement to strategic imperative. “Building AI capabilities is not optional, it’s essential,” he stated.
FedEx generates approximately two petabytes of data daily. The company is developing advanced AI models designed to predict supply chain vulnerabilities before they escalate. Subramanian noted: “Identifying vulnerabilities and addressing them before they become disruptions is probably the most crucial element of supply chain resilience.”
The company has already rolled out AI tools in markets including India. These tools provide predictive logistics, automated shipment tracking, and real-time customs updates. The India deployment was based directly on customer feedback about simplifying international shipping workflows.
FedEx’s broader vision transforms raw network data into actionable, real-time insights. The goal is optimisation at the individual shipment level across global trade networks. For freight forwarders navigating the same complexity, platforms like Cargo Solutions Network’s quoting portal offer similar data-driven route comparison and booking capabilities without subscription fees.
Humanoid Robots Remain Off Limits
Despite industry hype around humanoid robots, FedEx is not deploying them. Skaaksrud explained the orchestration challenges: “The orchestration aspects of multiple humanoids in a limited space that is highly dynamic, you know how hard it is. I think that humanoids are very interesting, and we’re definitely paying attention, but it’s this fit for purpose. You got to figure that out because the hype is just really high, but there’s a lot of potential there long-term. But you have to understand the limitations and set your expectations accordingly.”
The company prioritises business problems over technology trends. Skaaksrud cautioned against tech-first thinking: “Don’t be too focused only on the technology, because then we’re going to fail. This is really 3D chess that you’re playing here. You have to solve for all these different, often not so glamorous and interesting components, that are part of the overall solution. We are definitely doing what is required to not only have interesting technology, but interesting productive technology that’s going to solve business problems.”
Selective In-House Development
FedEx does develop some technology internally. The company built FedEx SenseAware and SenseAware ID sensor systems for package tracking. These tools provide real-time visibility and environmental monitoring for high-value or sensitive shipments.
The company developed the SameDay Bot in 2019 for last-mile delivery but discontinued it after a few years. The failure illustrates FedEx’s willingness to test, measure, and cut losses when solutions do not deliver business value.
Cargo Solutions Network Perspective
FedEx’s partnership strategy highlights a broader industry shift. Major carriers recognise that speed to market and specialised expertise often trump internal development. This mirrors the logic behind open freight networks.
The two petabytes of daily data FedEx generates underscores the information advantage large carriers hold. Smaller forwarders need access to similar data-driven tools without enterprise budgets. That is where open platforms deliver outsized value. Quote complex routes fast, compare live rates, and book directly without platform fees or subscription costs eating margin.
Global trade patterns are shifting. Re-globalisation driven by changing trade policies demands flexible networks and fast adaptation. Forwarders betting on closed systems or territory-locked partnerships risk losing agility. Open access to vetted partners and wholesale capacity worldwide matters more than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is FedEx partnering instead of building robotics in-house?
FedEx determined that developing robotics capabilities internally is slower and more expensive than partnering with specialists. The company works with Berkshire Grey, Dexterity, Nimble, and others to deploy proven solutions faster. This approach reduces risk and accelerates time to value.
How many autonomous loads has FedEx completed?
FedEx and Aurora Innovation have completed more than 3,200 autonomous loads since their 2021 partnership began. After logging 60,000 miles of daily freight hauls, they expanded the pilot programme to a second route in Texas.
Is FedEx deploying humanoid robots?
No. FedEx is not currently deploying humanoid robots. The company cites orchestration challenges in dynamic warehouse environments and believes the hype exceeds practical applications. FedEx focuses on fit-for-purpose automation that solves specific business problems.
What AI tools has FedEx rolled out?
FedEx has deployed AI tools in markets including India for predictive logistics, automated shipment tracking, and real-time customs updates. The company is developing advanced AI models to predict supply chain vulnerabilities before they escalate into disruptions.
How much data does FedEx generate daily?
FedEx generates approximately two petabytes of data daily. The company aims to transform this raw network data into actionable, real-time insights for optimisation at the individual shipment level.
Quote Complex Routes Fast
FedEx’s automation strategy proves that speed, partnerships, and data-driven decisions beat proprietary development for most logistics challenges. Independent forwarders face the same complexity without the scale.
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