FedEx has deployed its first AI-powered sorting robot in Europe at its air network facility in Cologne.
The robotic arm, developed by Hellebrekers, can process up to 1,000 documents and small parcels per hour to 90 destinations.
Supporting 900 employees, the deployment aims to boost operational efficiency and reduce physical strain from handling repetitive tasks, according to Boris Stoffer, managing director of network operations in Germany.
"This robotic in-feeding system is proof of our commitment to innovation", said Georgiana Constantin, manager for planning and engineering innovation and properties design. Similar robots are already used at hubs in Memphis, Guangzhou, Singapore and 17 US facilities.