Warp, founded in 2021 with the mission of refining supply chain logistics, is now turning to robotics to further enhance efficiency within its extensive network of warehouses. Initially established to help businesses streamline shipping and minimize costs through technology-driven coordination among shippers, carriers, and warehouses, Warp aims to leverage automation to significantly improve internal warehouse workflows.
Co-founder and CEO Daniel Sokolovsky explained that while the company can’t automate the entire shipping process—specifically long-distance trucking or short-range deliveries—it sees substantial opportunity for improvement internally, within the facilities under its management. Warp’s clients already include major enterprises like Walmart, Gopuff, and HelloFresh.
The company began experimenting in its dedicated Los Angeles test facility by installing cameras and using computer vision technologies to create a virtual simulation—or digital twin—of the warehouse. This allowed Warp to test various robotic strategies and configurations without disrupting real-world operations. One early attempt involved training humanoid robots to handle traditional pallet jacks, but after limited success, Warp transitioned to adapting commercially available robots by integrating additional technology to better accommodate warehouse tasks.
Sokolovsky emphasized the complexity of warehouse logistics, noting that their approach involved breaking down intricate logistical operations into smaller tasks that the robotic systems could easily understand and manage, supported by AI-driven communication through voice, text, email, or direct robotic integration. This method allowed the company to streamline key operations such as unloading, storage, and loading cargo, achieving improved efficiency without significant increases in personnel.
Warp’s strategy involves deploying these robotic systems not only in company-operated test locations but also across its larger warehouse network, which spans key markets including Los Angeles, Chicago, New Jersey, Dallas, and Miami. Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer Troy Lester added that these robotic installations directly address persistent labor shortages and high staffing turnover rates experienced by Warp’s warehouse partners. Lester believes automation enhancements could significantly boost the operational effectiveness of such facilities, not only enhancing Warp’s service network but also providing a broader benefit to facility operators by potentially positioning them as preferred warehouse partners for other companies.
To accelerate the robotics initiative, Warp recently secured $10 million in Series A funding co-led by investors Up.Partners and Blue Bear Capital. The newly acquired funding will primarily support expanded research, field testing and deployment of robotics systems across Warp’s strategic warehouse locations starting later this year. According to Sokolovsky, the Los Angeles test warehouse facility is already functioning autonomously, representing a significant proof of concept and foundational milestone.
For now, Warp intends to retain exclusive use of this proprietary technology, seeing it primarily as a competitive advantage for itself and its selected warehouse partners. Rather than branding itself purely as a robotics or AI company, Warp continues to position itself firmly as a logistics innovator leveraging cutting-edge technology to provide practical solutions that enhance shipping reliability and efficiency.
