Automation

FedEx has its most used software, which according to the product and shipment tells all the required documents, makes the required
invoices, and get the Air Waybill ready.
In addition the investments that FedEx makes in the area of technological innovation, from robotics to artificial intelligence (AI), they are
bringing up following globally:
• An AI app to initiate a shipment: The AI-enabled Alexa app currently being developed by FedEx is being designed to eventually understand
commands such as, “Alexa, prepare a shipment,” and is all about reducing the need for time-consuming form-filling or menu scrolling.
• One driver controlling a convoy of trucks: FedEx has been working closely with Peloton Technology on the idea of “vehicle platooning”.
This cutting-edge technology involves electronically linking trucks into small groups called “platoons”. Using wireless vehicle-to-vehicle
communication, the driver of the truck in front controls the acceleration and breaks of the trucks behind him.
• Trucks that drive themselves: according to Carter, we can expect to see fully autonomous trucks servicing the shipping industry within the
next decade. FedEx has teamed up with auto pioneers Daimler and Volvo to develop this. The latter recently made a semi-autonomous
journey on a highway in Germany and Volvo demonstrated a fully autonomous construction truck in a mine in Sweden.
• Robotic members of staff: in April the first public-facing robot at FedEx, Sam, was put to work in a FedEx office in New York, where a
customer was able to pass Sam her broken Samsung device, which Sam then delivered to a technician in a back office. The front-office
employee then completed the customer transaction. According to Fred Smith, we can expect to see more of these robotic assistants
• FedEx Online Virtual Assistant: this online assistant will eventually allow customers to order services by voice, hands- and paper-free on
mobile devices. Simple, but effective.
• Drones to make commercial deliveries: though some companies are starting to use drones to make deliveries, Carter feels they have
“limited capacity” owing to the fact they can only lift objects up to 5lb and fly 50 miles. However, he does say FedEx is looking into the
viability of using fixed-wing drones that travel set distances for commercial deliveries.
• Courier robots: FedEx is deeply invested in the development of robot technology, particularly of the grounded rolling variety (as opposed to
drones), which can carry heavy loads and travel farther. According to Carter, there’s a very real possibility we will see robots making
deliveries to our homes and offices in years ahead.