TL;DR
- Warp, a logistics tech company, is integrating robots into its warehouse network.
- The move aims to automate internal workflows, reduce labor costs, and address staffing shortages.
- Using AI and computer vision, Warp has created a digital twin of its Los Angeles facility.
- The company plans to roll out the technology to key hubs like Chicago, New Jersey, Dallas, and Miami.
- Backed by a $10 million Series A from Up.Partners and Blue Bear Capital, Warp will keep its technology exclusive to maintain a competitive advantage.
From Shipping Coordination to Automation
Founded in 2021, Warp initially focused on streamlining shipping supply chains through a tech-enabled network of carriers, shippers, and warehouses. Clients such as Walmart, Gopuff, and HelloFresh rely on Warp for efficient logistics coordination. But now, the company is advancing to a new phase: robotic automation within its warehouse infrastructure.
According to Warp’s CEO Daniel Sokolovsky, the company constantly seeks ways to drive down costs and maximize operational efficiency. While long-haul and last-mile deliveries remain human-dominated, warehouse operations offered an avenue ripe for transformation. Warp has zeroed in on the part of the supply chain it can fully control — the internal workflows of its networked warehouses.
Creating a Virtual Test Lab
Warp began its automation journey by retrofitting its Los Angeles test facility with high-definition cameras. Using computer vision, Warp generated a digital twin of the warehouse — a simulated environment that could be manipulated in real-time. This simulation allowed the team to experiment freely, testing different robotic strategies without disrupting physical operations.
“We effectively made a digital twin… and started throwing stuff at the wall,”
— Daniel Sokolovsky, CEO, Warp
Early ideas, like teaching humanoid robots to use manual pallet jacks, didn’t pan out. However, success came when Warp retrofit off-the-shelf robots with customized technologies, resulting in flexible and cost-effective automation solutions.
Warp’s Robotics Rollout
| Key Metric | Details |
| Initial Automation Site | Los Angeles |
| Target Markets for Rollout | Chicago, New Jersey, Dallas, Miami |
| Series A Funding | $10 million |
| Lead Investors | Up.Partners, Blue Bear Capital |
| Robot Deployment Start Timeline | Late 2025 |
| Core Clientele | Walmart, Gopuff, HelloFresh |
AI-First Logistics, Minus Extra Headcount
Warp’s automation system uses a combination of voice, text, email, and robotic inputs to manage warehouse tasks like unloading, storing, and reloading freight. The system breaks down complex logistics operations into digestible, system-led components that reduce reliance on manual labor.
This approach allows Warp to scale its operations without hiring more workers, a significant advantage given the persistent labor shortages in warehousing.
“We think we can get to our goals quickly — without hiring more people.”
— Daniel Sokolovsky
Empowering Partner Warehouses
While Warp owns and operates its Los Angeles facility, the broader network includes partner warehouses. Co-founder and CRO Troy Lester emphasized that these partners often struggle with staffing issues and worker dissatisfaction. By providing robotic kits, Warp not only optimizes its own supply chain but also boosts the performance of its partner facilities.
“The labor doing the work doesn’t like it either… robotic kits help both us and our partners.”
— Troy Lester, CRO
This strategy creates shared value: Warp improves service delivery while warehouse owners cut costs and increase productivity.
A Strategic Walled Garden
Despite the potentially high demand for its robotic solutions, Warp does not plan to commercialize the technology beyond its own network. This exclusivity is key to maintaining a competitive edge in a cutthroat logistics industry.
Rather than positioning itself as a robotics vendor, Warp wants to be seen as a logistics company powered by AI and automation. The strategy allows them to focus on customer outcomes rather than monetizing the tech in isolation.
“We’re not just an AI company with a concept. We’ve actually built something that works.”
— Daniel Sokolovsky
What’s Next?
The current focus is to expand automation from Los Angeles to Chicago, New Jersey, Dallas, and Miami, Warp’s core hubs. Each deployment will likely rely on lessons learned from the digital twin model. These implementations will be fine-tuned for operational complexity, warehouse layout, and throughput requirements.
The $10 million raised in Warp’s Series A round, co-led by Up.Partners and Blue Bear Capital, will fund this transition. The funding will support both robot R&D and real-world integration.
Although Warp is not yet open-sourcing or licensing its tools, the company is setting a new benchmark for how logistics providers can blend automation, AI, and physical infrastructure to deliver smarter supply chains.
Conclusion
Warp’s robotic integration is more than just a flashy tech play — it’s a practical response to labor issues, a push for cost-efficiency, and a strategic tool for staying competitive. As Warp rolls out these systems across its warehouse network, the company is not only automating tasks but also redefining logistics for its clients and partners.
For companies grappling with supply chain complexity, Warp’s model offers a blueprint for what next-gen warehousing can look like: digitally orchestrated, robotically enhanced, and customer-focused.
