FedEx CEO Frederick W. Smith celebrated the use of technology and innovation in the logistics industry during an April 6 speech at the University of Memphis (Tenn.), reports The Commercial Appeal.
"Don't be afraid of technology and innovation and robotics," Mr. Smith said. "It makes people more productive. It makes goods less expensive. It makes life better."
During the speech — which marked the opening of the university's National Council on Undergraduate Research conference — Mr. Smith exemplified how the company is "enthusiastically embracing" robotics in its technology repair centers.
"A couple of weeks ago we put our first public-facing robot, Sam, into a FedEx Office location in" New York City, Mr. Smith said. "Now a customer can give a broken Samsung device to Sam, which takes it back to the technician while the front office person finishes the customer transaction."
FedEx is also introducing mobile robots in its supply chain warehouses to move customer products to assigned locations, which helps save time and lower costs, according Mr. Smith.
To view the speech, click here.
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