Warp was founded in 2021, and businesses streamlined their delivery supply chains and reduced costs through technology-enabled networks of shippers, carriers and warehouses.
Now, we want to make our supply chain even more efficient by using robots to automate the warehouse web.
Daniel Sokolovsky, co-founder and CEO of Warp, told TechCrunch that Warp is always looking for ways to make delivery more efficient for customers, including companies like Walmart, Gopuff and Hellofresh. Advances in AI could potentially increase opportunities for automation.
Sokolovsky said Warp is working on something that could potentially change because it cannot automate the long-distance trucking or short-distance delivery aspects of its supply chain. Workflow in the warehouse.
Warp began experimenting by installing the camera in a test warehouse in Los Angeles and using computer vision to turn the data into a virtual warehouse.
“We effectively created a digital twin or simulation environment for our LA facility,” Sokolovsky said. “(We) started out as basically throwing things at the wall. Honestly, a lot of that would happen when you do this? What would happen if you do that? What would happen if you do something else?”
One of their first ideas was to train humanoid robots to use traditional pallet jacks, but that didn’t work. Warp then began to succeed using off-self robots with some additional technology renovated.
“We took in very complex logistical issues and divided them into components that are easy to digest, understood by the system and grown in the system,” says Sokolovsky. “I think we can actually continue this, whether it’s AI in the form of audio, text, email, phone or robotics that we’re unloading, storing and reloading cargo.
Warp co-founder and CRO Troy Lester said these robots will help provide the warehouse partners that will serve as the basis for Warp. With the exception of its test facilities in Los Angeles, the company does not own any warehouses in its network entirely.
“They’re always complaining to us about staffing issues,” Leicester said. “We don’t like the workforce that works at these facilities, so I think we have the opportunity to have these companies have these robotic kits that will help them improve their networks as well as improve their business with other companies.”
Warp has raised a $10 million Series A round to help with this latest development. The round was co-led by UP.Partners and Blue Bear Capital.
Warp has tested several different versions of the robot and ambitiously claims it will begin rolling out this year.
Sokolovsky said Warp’s Los Angeles testing facility is completely autonomous and the company plans to begin deploying these robots to the core networks of its core networks (Los Angeles, Chicago, New Jersey, Dallas and Miami). Warp does not plan to sell technology outside the hub to give Warp and its underlying warehouse partners a competitive advantage.
“Instead of going out and saying we’re just a robotics company, an AI company, and spending money like this potential concept, it’s actually like a logistics company that’s really really impacting and providing services to our customers,” Sokolovsky said. “Over the past few years we have developed great systems and ecosystems that allow us to deploy this kind of automation.”