Top 12 warehouse robotics companies in 2025: Leaders, startups, and competitors

Warehouse robotics companies have gone from experimental pilots to running the backbone of global logistics in just five years. 

They're the reason your package arrives tomorrow instead of next week. In 2025, over a million robots work in Amazon's warehouses alone, while startups like Covariant teach machines to pick up everything from lipstick tubes to lawnmower parts. 

With warehouse workers harder to find than a PS5 at launch, these companies are automating for efficiency and keeping supply chains from grinding to a halt.

Top 12 warehouse robotics companies in 2025: TL;DR

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What are warehouse robotics companies?

Warehouse robotics companies provide automated systems, like Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and robotic arms, to perform tasks such as picking, sorting, and transporting goods in warehouses and distribution centers.

Unlike traditional material handling firms, these companies focus on intelligent automation. Warehouse robots identify items, make decisions on the fly, and interact with warehouse management systems (WMS) to optimize workflows. Some robots bring items to human workers (goods-to-person systems), while others fully automate the entire order fulfillment process.

Warehouse robotics companies often develop their own software stack, pairing hardware with navigation, perception, and task execution algorithms. Many also offer integration support for existing WMS or ERP systems, making it easier for businesses to adopt automation without ripping out their infrastructure.

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Best warehouse robotics companies

The best warehouse robotics companies in 2025 include global leaders like Standard Bots, Amazon Robotics, Geek+, and Swisslog, along with rising startups such as Exotec, Fabric, and Covariant. Together, they power automation in picking, sorting, storage, and fulfillment across industries from retail to logistics.

1. Standard Bots

Standard Bots builds six-axis collaborative robots for manufacturers who thought automation was out of reach. Our flagship cobot, Core, combines an 18 kg payload and ±0.025 mm repeatability at half the price of competitors like Universal Robots or FANUC.

Standard Bots targets 20- to 150-person machine shops that need automation but can't justify six-figure robots or months of integration. Core’s no-code interface lets operators program new routines in hours, while built-in vision and direct Ethernet integration handle machine tending without complex setup.

Based in Glen Cove, New York, Standard Bots ships within 6 weeks and deploys in 1–2 days for simple applications. The robot's accessibility makes it practical even for single-shift operations running limited production volumes.

While competitors chase Fortune 500 contracts, Standard Bots focuses on the thousands of small manufacturers facing labor shortages. These shops form the backbone of U.S. manufacturing but have been priced out of automation until now.

2. Amazon Robotics

Amazon Robotics is the biggest warehouse robotics company in the world. It started when Amazon bought Kiva Systems in 2012 and built its own robots to speed up warehouse work. As of June 2025, Amazon operates over 1,000,000 robots across its global network.

These robots handle tasks like picking items, sorting packages, and moving shelves for human workers. The robotic arm, called Sparrow, can identify and pick up different products. Another robot, Cardinal, uses computer vision to sort packed boxes quickly and accurately.

Amazon is different because it designs both the robots and the warehouse systems together. This helps everything run faster and with fewer errors. Although Amazon doesn’t sell its robots to others, its tech sets the standard for warehouse automation. 

3. Locus Robotics

Locus Robotics builds smart robots that help warehouses pick and move items faster. Instead of replacing human workers, Locus robots work alongside them. A worker picks items, and the robot carries them. This reduces walking and speeds up the entire process.

These are called autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and they navigate the warehouse on their own using sensors and maps. Locus robots are used in retail, healthcare, and third-party logistics (3PL) warehouses. They’re popular because they’re easy to set up and can be added to existing workflows without changing the whole system.

In April 2025, Locus reported deployments at over 350 sites worldwide. The system connects with popular warehouse management software, making it easy to track orders in real time. With labor shortages and rising e-commerce demand, more companies are turning to Locus to speed up picking without needing to build new infrastructure.

4. GreyOrange

GreyOrange makes smart robots that help warehouses pick, sort, and move products more efficiently. The company builds both the physical robots and the software that controls them, so everything works together in real time. Its most popular robots include Ranger AMRs (which carry items across the warehouse) and SorterBots (which sort packages based on where they need to go).

With its AI-powered software platform, it constantly tracks inventory, order volume, and traffic inside the warehouse to make the robots smarter and more responsive. This helps warehouses speed up order fulfillment, reduce errors, and handle more products without needing more space.

GreyOrange is used by retailers, e-commerce companies, and 3PLs around the world. It’s especially popular in high-volume environments where flexibility and speed matter, like fashion, electronics, and grocery warehouses.

5. Geek+

Geek+ is one of the top warehouse robotics companies based in China, with operations in over 30 countries. It builds a wide range of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that help with picking, sorting, moving, and storing goods in warehouses.

The company’s robots are best known for their goods-to-person systems, where robots bring shelves or bins directly to human workers. This cuts down walking time and speeds up order picking. Geek+ also offers smart sorting robots that automatically send packages to the right shipping area based on size, weight, and destination.

Nike and Walmart both deploy Geek+ systems in high-volume operations. The robots use sensors and AI to move safely and accurately without bumping into people or shelves.

6. Symbotic

Symbotic builds fast robotic systems that automate entire distribution centers. Its technology is designed for big retailers and grocery chains that need to move huge amounts of inventory quickly and accurately.

Instead of using single robots, Symbotic systems run on fleets of small, fast-moving bots that zip along racks to store and retrieve items. These bots work with an AI-powered software platform that keeps track of where everything is and makes real-time decisions about the best way to pick, sort, and pack products.

Symbotic powers large DCs for Walmart, Target, and Albertsons, and in January 2025, agreed to acquire Walmart’s Advanced Systems and Robotics business alongside a related commercial agreement. The system is highly automated and can run with minimal human input, which makes it ideal for large warehouses with high throughput.

7. Swisslog

Swisslog designs robotic systems that help warehouses store, pick, and move goods more efficiently, especially in industries like pharmaceuticals, cold storage, and retail. It’s a subsidiary of KUKA, one of the world’s largest industrial robot manufacturers.

Swisslog offers solutions like AutoStore and CarryPick, which use compact robots and smart shelving systems to save space and speed up order fulfillment. These systems stand out for their modular design, meaning they can grow with the business and fit into tight warehouse layouts without major construction.

Swisslog’s strength lies in how well it integrates with existing software like warehouse management systems (WMS) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools. This makes it easier for businesses to track inventory, improve picking accuracy, and reduce delivery times.

8. Berkshire Grey

Berkshire Grey builds smart robotic systems that automate picking, packing, and sorting in warehouses. Its robots use AI and computer vision to handle items of different shapes, sizes, and weights, making them ideal for e-commerce, retail, and grocery distribution centers.

Unlike some robots that need perfect conditions, Berkshire Grey’s systems can deal with messy, fast-paced environments. They pick items directly from bins or conveyors and place them into shipping boxes, sort parcels by location, and restock inventory with minimal human help. This flexibility reduces errors and speeds up order fulfillment without changing the warehouse layout.

Berkshire Grey, acquired by SoftBank in 2023, also offers Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) for lower upfront costs. This makes automation more accessible, especially for mid-sized warehouses.

Emerging warehouse robotics startups:

9. Exotec

Exotec is a French startup known for its Skypod System, which is a unique storage and retrieval solution where small robots travel vertically up racks to fetch bins. Instead of rearranging an entire warehouse, businesses can add Exotec’s system to their existing layout, making it easier to adopt automation without major construction.

Skypods move in three dimensions and use laser scanners and software to find the fastest route to each item. Once they retrieve a bin, they bring it to a human or robotic picking station, reducing walking time and speeding up order processing.

Exotec is especially popular with grocery, fashion, and electronics companies that need fast picking and high storage density.

10. Fabric

Fabric is a robotics startup that focuses on micro-fulfillment centers (MFCs) that are small, automated warehouses located close to customers in urban areas. Instead of building massive distribution hubs, Fabric helps retailers set up compact sites that can fulfill online orders quickly and locally.

The company’s system uses a mix of vertical storage and robotic shuttles that retrieve products and bring them to a picking station. These robots are controlled by Fabric’s software, which manages inventory, routes, and task assignments in real time. The result is faster picking, fewer errors, and shorter delivery windows.

Fabric is especially useful for grocery chains, pharmacy retailers, and e-commerce brands trying to compete with same-day delivery expectations. Its modular design means retailers can install it in existing backrooms, parking garages, or small warehouse spaces.

11. Covariant

Covariant builds AI-powered robotic systems that focus on piece picking, which is the task of identifying and grabbing individual items from shelves, bins, or conveyors. Unlike traditional robots that follow set instructions, Covariant’s robots learn from experience and improve over time using deep reinforcement learning.

At the core of its technology is the Covariant Brain, a neural network that gives robots the ability to see, understand, and act in complex warehouse environments. These systems can pick a wide range of items regardless of size, shape, or packaging, and adapt to new inventory without reprogramming.

Warehouses across the U.S. and Europe already use Covariant's robots, especially in industries like apparel, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and third-party logistics. They help reduce picking errors, speed up order fulfillment, and lower training costs for human staff.

12. 6 River Systems

6 River Systems originally launched as an independent startup. Ocado Group acquired it in 2023. The company builds collaborative mobile robots designed to make warehouse picking faster and easier. The main robot, called Chuck, works alongside human pickers by guiding them through the most efficient picking routes and carrying items as they go.

Chuck uses built-in sensors, barcode scanners, and warehouse maps to help workers pick orders accurately with less walking. It’s easy to set up, integrates with most warehouse management systems, and doesn’t require major changes to the warehouse layout. 

This makes it a popular choice for third-party logistics (3PL), retail, and e-commerce fulfillment centers.

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Other niche startups building warehouse robots

Beyond the major names, several smaller startups focus on solving specific problems like fragile item handling, cold storage automation, or ultra-fast robotic picking, using advanced AI and modular designs.

For example, RightHand Robotics develops robotic arms with suction and grip tools that can handle irregularly shaped products, ideal for pharmaceuticals and electronics. 

There are also robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) providers like inVia Robotics, which lease fleets of robots along with software and support, allowing smaller warehouses to adopt automation with lower upfront costs.

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Why does warehouse robotics matter in 2025?

Warehouse robotics solves challenges of labor shortages, rising demand, and shrinking delivery timelines. Robots now play a critical role in maintaining speed, accuracy, and efficiency across the global supply chain.

• Surging e-commerce demand: Global online sales continue to rise, with retail giants and small sellers alike requiring faster order fulfillment. Traditional manual processes can’t keep up with the volume or complexity. Robotics enables warehouses to operate 24/7, scale instantly during peak seasons, and fulfill thousands of orders without delay.
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• Global labor shortages in logistics: Warehouses are struggling to hire and retain workers. From 2024 to 2025, BLS JOLTS data shows persistently high monthly job openings across transportation, warehousing, and utilities, keeping staffing tight.
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• Faster delivery expectations from customers: Same-day and next-day delivery have become standard. Meeting these expectations requires real-time inventory tracking, rapid picking, and high-speed packaging. AMRs, robotic arms, and automated sorting systems allow warehouses to cut processing times and reduce errors.
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• AI and vision technologies enabling smarter robots: Today’s warehouse robots don’t rely on fixed paths or pre-programmed scripts. With AI, LiDAR, 3D cameras, and real-time learning, they can adapt to changing layouts, identify misplaced items, and collaborate with human staff. These capabilities make robots more valuable and easier to deploy across different warehouse sizes.

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Challenges and considerations

The challenges and considerations for deploying warehouse robots center on upfront cost, software integration, workforce upskilling, and ethical labor impacts. These factors shape budget, timeline, and long-term success.

• High initial investment: Even small-scale robotic systems can cost thousands of dollars per unit, plus software, setup, and training fees. Full automation, like what Symbotic or Berkshire Grey offers, can run into the millions. While many companies see ROI over time, the upfront costs are still a barrier, especially for small to mid-sized warehouses.
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• Integration with existing WMS and ERP systems: Robots need to talk to your warehouse management system (WMS) or enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. If the systems don’t match or require custom coding, integration can delay the rollout. Choosing robots that support common platforms or offer plug-and-play APIs helps speed up deployment.
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• Workforce upskilling and training: Automation changes how people work. Teams need training on how to supervise robots, troubleshoot errors, and work safely alongside machines. Some workers may resist the change, while others will need to learn new skills to stay relevant.
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• Ethical and labor concerns: As robots take over repetitive tasks, concerns grow around job displacement. Some labor groups push back on full automation, especially when it leads to layoffs. Companies need to balance productivity gains with fair workforce transitions and upskilling programs.

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Summing up

The warehouse robotics market in 2025 splits into three camps: the giants, the specialists, and the disruptors. 

Amazon Robotics runs away with scale, but its closed ecosystem means everyone else fights for the remaining market. Companies like Geek+, Locus, and GreyOrange compete on deployment speed and flexibility, while Symbotic and Berkshire Grey bet on full automation for massive DCs.

The real innovation comes from companies attacking specific problems. Covariant teaches robots to handle items they've never seen before. Exotec's Skypods climb existing racks without infrastructure changes. Standard Bots brings enterprise robotics to small machine shops at half the traditional cost.

For businesses evaluating options, the choice isn't just about technology anymore. It's about deployment time, integration complexity, and whether you need a Swiss Army knife or a scalpel. The winners will be companies like Standard Bots that make robots as easy to deploy as hiring temporary workers, but infinitely more reliable.

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Next steps with Standard Bots’ robotic solutions

Looking to automate your warehouse with flexible, high-precision robots? Standard Bots Core is the perfect six-axis cobot addition to any fulfillment or material handling setup, delivering unbeatable precision and adaptability.

• Affordable and adaptable: Core costs $37K. Get high-precision automation at half the cost of traditional robots.
• Precision and power: With a repeatability of ±0.025 mm and an 18 kg payload, Core handles even the most demanding pick-and-place or packing tasks.
• AI-driven simplicity: Equipped with AI capabilities on par with GPT-4, Core integrates smoothly with your warehouse systems for advanced automation.
• Safety-first design: Machine vision and collision detection mean Core works safely alongside human operators.

Schedule your on-site demo with our engineers today and see how Core can bring AI-powered automation to your warehouse.

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FAQs

1. What are warehouse robotics companies?

Warehouse robotics companies develop robots and software to automate tasks inside warehouses, like picking, packing, sorting, and transporting goods. These companies build machines such as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), robotic arms, and shuttle systems that replace or assist human labor. 

Some focus on full-scale automation for large distribution hubs, while others provide modular systems that smaller warehouses can deploy quickly.

2. Who are the top warehouse robotics companies in 2025?

The top warehouse robotics companies in 2025 include Standard Bots, Amazon Robotics, Geek+, Symbotic, Locus Robotics, GreyOrange, Swisslog, and Berkshire Grey. These companies lead the market in warehouse automation technology, with solutions ranging from AMRs and goods-to-person systems to fully automated fulfillment centers. 

3. What robots are used in warehouses?

The robots used in warehouses include AMRs for moving goods, AGVs for pallet transport, robotic arms for picking and packing, and sorting bots that manage order flow. Some systems use goods-to-person designs, where robots bring shelves or bins directly to workers. Modern robots now include AI vision, sensors, and machine learning to adapt to changing layouts. This means robots can handle nearly every stage of fulfillment, from inventory movement to last-mile sorting.

4. What are the benefits of warehouse automation?

The benefits of warehouse automation include faster order processing, fewer errors, lower labor costs, and improved safety. Robots can run 24/7 without fatigue, helping warehouses meet rising e-commerce demand and shorter delivery windows. They also increase storage efficiency by enabling higher-density layouts and real-time inventory updates. 

5. Which warehouse robotics startups should businesses watch?

Warehouse robotics startups that businesses should watch in 2025 include Exotec, Fabric, Covariant, and 6 River Systems. These startups are gaining attention for building flexible, AI-powered robots that work in both small and large warehouse environments. 

Exotec’s Skypod robots, for example, move vertically and horizontally using standard racking, while Covariant builds robotic arms that learn to pick irregular items using deep learning.

6. How do Amazon’s warehouse robots compare with competitors?

Amazon’s warehouse robots compare with competitors through unmatched scale and internal integration, but they are only used within Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Amazon’s systems include mobile drive units, Sparrow picking arms, and Cardinal sorting robots, all controlled by proprietary software. 

Competitors such as Locus Robotics, Geek+, and GreyOrange offer similar technologies but make them available to third-party warehouses. This gives outside businesses more flexibility, faster deployment, and open integration options.