Frankfurt M., June 13, 2025 – FedEx said it has introduced AI-powered classification robots at aerial network locations in Cologne, Germany, the first in the European FedEx network.
The Cologne Aviation Network is the largest of seven FedEx websites in Germany, with more than 900 team members. The robot arm made by Hellebrekers BV is mounted in a protective cage on a small package and in which the incoming package is sensed. It helps team members perform the classification process, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks. It mainly classifies documents and smaller packages up to 4 kg, processes up to 1,000 pieces per hour while managing about 90 destinations.
“AI-powered technologies like this help us manage goods more effectively, enhance customer experience, and improve competitive advantage as e-commerce continues to drive market growth,” said Boris Stoffer, managing director of network operations at FedEx. “These technologies also support our employees directly by taking over repetitive, large numbers of tasks.”
“This robotic feeding system proves our commitment to innovation,” said Georgiana Constantin, FedEx Manager Program and Engineering Innovation and Property Design Manager. “Providing first-class service is our ambition, and it is driven by our passion for innovation, which makes our customers the number one.”
FedEx focuses on automation of its Cologne Air network locations echoing wider industry trends. Logistics participants are optimizing operational efficiency from warehouse management to last mile delivery. According to Statista, the global warehouse automation market is expected to exceed $51 billion by 2030.
In 2020, FedEx first installed four robot arms at its Memphis hub in Tennessee to automate its small package classification. In 2022, FedEx deployed further classification robots in its southern Guangzhou and its China E-Commerce Shipping Center at its Singapore hub. In addition, the company has leveraged robot product classification and identification systems including 17 U.S. classification facilities, including New York, Las Vegas and Ohio.
