Innovative logistics companies continue to find efficient new ways to get goods from place to place. They’re harnessing rapidly evolving technologies like robotics and artificial intelligence, and creatively building resilient systems and networks in an era defined by geopolitical uncertainty, price competition, and shifting supply chains.
On the robotics side, Zipline’s two-part drone delivery system brings consumers goods from outlets like Walmart and Chipotle, and Coco Robotics is working with UberEats and DoorDash to shuttle meals through city streets. Yale Lift Truck Technologies debuted new technologies for automating the forklift, a warehouse staple, to operate more smoothly during automated operation and with a human at the helm. And to help handle goods as they arrive at labor-constrained warehouses, Pickle Robot Company continues to improve its bots for unloading freight trucks so humans can work on other tasks.
Other companies have deployed software innovations to make the shipping process more efficient. A suite of AI agents from CH Robinson help schedule shipments, manage trucks, and audit involves. Spoiler Alert helps automate the liquidation and donation of grocery store goods, getting excess merchandise where it’s actually needed. And Fleetio helps automate and track the documentation necessary to keep large fleets regularly maintained and running smoothly.
On the legal side of things, Altana created an AI-powered “product passport” system that makes it easier to import goods into the United States, and FedEx launched a set of import and tariff tools to make it easier for businesses to understand and pay customs duties.
1.Zipline
For bringing drone deliveries to the masses
Zipline has long been a world leader in drone delivery, having made more than 1.7 million such dropoffs and reaching 100 million miles flown by March 2025. But in January 2025, it made its first delivery with its new two-part home delivery delivery system, known as Platform 2 or simply P2. The system involves a zero-emissions aircraft that travels at 70 miles per hour, then quietly hovers roughly 300 feet in the air, lowering a second autonomous tethered device (known as a Zip), which positions itself in the correct location and deposits goods on the ground, adjusting for obstacles, weather conditions, and other situations impacting delivery. The system now serves tens of thousands of people, including customers in select regions of Arkansas and Texas. Customers can receive deliveries of more than 65,000 items including groceries from Walmart stores and, as of August 2025, food from Chipotle and Buffalo Wild Wings, with deliveries possible in under 10 minutes. The company also continues to make vital healthcare deliveries with its original platform, known as P1, which now regularly delivers medical supplies like blood and vaccines to more than 5,000 healthcare facilities around the world. Zipline announced in November that it would receive up to $150 million to expand such deliveries in Africa.
2. Coco Robotics
For harnessing robotics for fast, emission-free urban food deliveries
