UPS Cuts the Ribbon On State-of-the-art UPS Velocity Facility

Smart automation, ML/AI transform customer experience and service.

The UPS Velocity facility uses more than 700 robots to streamline operations. Image courtesy of UPS.
Smart automation, ML/AI transform customer experience and service.

UPS Supply Chain Solutions has introduced the new state-of-the-art UPS Velocity facility, which harnesses smart automation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to boost its customer experience and service.

UPS Velocity will change our customers’ experience for the better in five ways:

Bots to the rescue: The facility has over 700 bots in operation – a number UPS Supply Chain Solutions plans to triple across its network in the next year. Goods-to-person technology uses AI to arrange space for optimal speed and can even pick up inventory. ​Rack-to-person technology, developed by Geek+, optimizes storage by 30% compared to facilities without the tech.

A blueprint for the future of e-commerce: UPS Velocity is now one of our largest and most technologically advanced facilities. With the e-commerce market predicted to grow at 11.9% over the next five years, UPS Velocity is built to deliver on that demand now and into the future.

Customer experience a top priority: UPS Velocity ensures orders can be fulfilled quickly and efficiently to meet customers’ expectations. With the help of skilled team members, UPS Velocity can process over 350,000 items per day – significantly more than a non-automated warehouse. The facility joins a global UPS network of over 1,000 distribution centers, connecting customers to over 200 countries around the world.

Enables a diverse employee mix: UPS Velocity is staffed with the help of its Languages Across Logistics program. The technology in the facility understands more than 20 languages, letting our best people work side by side – no matter where they come from. To date, the program has supported the hiring of dozens of employees from across 20 countries, doubling down on UPS' commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce.

“The multi-language technology [at UPS Velocity] streamlines training and improves the employee experience, allowing our people to work in their preferred language, even if the supervisor speaks a completely different language,” said Steve Gundlach, president of UPS Supply Chain Solutions Global Logistics and Distribution.

Data and insights count: Also unveiled was UPS Supply Chain Symphony, a unified data platform that gives customers around the world a direct connection to the supply chain. Real-time data and insights generated by Symphony allow customers to make critical decisions faster. 

To learn more about the implementation, watch this video.


Email Sign Up

Get news, papers, media and research delivered
Stay up-to-date with news and resources you need to do your job. Research industry trends, compare companies and get market intelligence every week with Robotics 24/7. Subscribe to our robotics user email newsletter and we'll keep you informed and up-to-date.

The UPS Velocity facility uses more than 700 robots to streamline operations. Image courtesy of UPS.


Robot Technologies