Figure deploys humanoid robots at Catalyst Brands logistics hub

Humanoid robotics firm Figure has signed a commercial agreement with Catalyst Brands to integrate autonomous labor into the company's supply chain operations. The partnership marks a strategic shift for the retail holding group, which manages JCPenney, Aéropostale, and Brooks Brothers, as it moves to automate repetitive tasks at its Reno, Nevada facility.

The deployment centers on the distribution hub’s Joey Pouch sorting system, where Figure’s robots will assist human associates with sequencing, induction, and packing. By offloading physically demanding duties, Catalyst Brands aims to transition its workforce toward higher-skill functions. Marc Rosen, CEO of Catalyst Brands, emphasized that the collaboration serves to modernize operations while scaling the company’s multi-brand portfolio.

Brett Adcock, founder and CEO of Figure, described the partnership as a blueprint for AI-driven hardware in retail holding companies. He noted that the humanoids function as a standardized labor solution capable of being deployed across diverse industrial environments. This initiative reflects a broader trend in retail logistics, where companies are increasingly turning to hardware automation to address labor volatility and maintain growth during rapid expansion phases.