Figure AI Deploys Humanoid Robots in Catalyst Brands Warehouse

IndustrialSage Headlines | Episode 26

Figure AI humanoid robots are now moving into the retail supply chain in a meaningful way. On May 26, 2026, Figure AI and Catalyst Brands announced a commercial agreement to deploy Figure 03 humanoid robots across Catalyst’s distribution operations. Specifically, the initial deployment begins at the company’s Reno, Nevada Distribution Logistics Center. The deployment targets some of the most physically demanding tasks in modern warehousing: sorting and packing within a high-volume, computerized induction system.

Catalyst Brands is the parent company of JCPenney, Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Lucky Brand, and Nautica, operating more than 1,800 retail storefronts across the United States. Notably, the Reno facility processes merchandise at scale for that entire portfolio. It received a $40 million infrastructure upgrade in 2024 to support exactly this kind of automation investment.

The partnership represents a commercial deployment, not a pilot program. Figure AI is producing Figure 03 robots at scale, and this agreement grows as Catalyst’s volume and operational needs evolve across its distribution network.

“Our humanoids provide a standardized labor solution that can be deployed across diverse industries instantly.”
Brett Adcock, Founder and CEO, Figure AI

Figure AI Humanoid Robots in the Warehouse: What Figure 03 Does at Catalyst Brands

The Figure 03 humanoid robot is Figure AI’s third-generation platform. It runs on the Helix AI model, which Figure trains using real-world operational data rather than synthetic simulation environments. The robot can navigate stairs and uneven terrain. Overall, that capability gives it practical value in a working warehouse rather than a controlled test cell.

At Catalyst Brands’ Reno facility, Figure AI humanoid robots focus on the Joey Pouch system, a state-of-the-art computerized induction, sorting, and packing system. The robots handle the physically repetitive tasks within that system, including sequencing, sorting, and packing. These tasks have traditionally required a sustained human labor pool working in demanding physical conditions.

Furthermore, Figure AI’s production ramp demonstrates genuine commercial readiness. The company went from producing one Figure 03 robot per day to one per hour over four months. That represents a 24x production improvement. By the time of the Catalyst announcement, Figure AI had produced more than 350 Figure 03 units. Additionally, the company had deployed more than 9,000 actuators across multiple robot variants.

Metric	Figure AI Production
Robot model deployed	Figure 03 (third generation)
Production ramp (4 months)	1/day → 1/hour (24x improvement)
Units produced to date	350+
Actuators across variants	9,000+
AI model	Helix (real-world trained)
Initial deployment site	Reno, Nevada Distribution Logistics Center

What the Figure AI and Catalyst Deal Signals for Warehouse Automation

The significance of this agreement goes beyond a single distribution center. Catalyst Brands runs a multi-brand retail portfolio with 1,800-plus storefronts and corresponding supply chain volume. Moreover, deploying Figure 03 humanoid robots across that network is a structural automation decision, not an experiment. When a holding company of this scale commits to AI-powered hardware, it validates the commercial readiness of humanoid robotics. A smaller operator simply cannot provide that same validation.

In addition, the Reno facility prioritizes scalability. The Joey Pouch system and the 2024 infrastructure investment both point to a distribution operation built to absorb technology rather than resist it. Figure AI structured its deployment here to scale with demand. When Catalyst’s order volume grows or peak season creates pressure, robot headcount can increase alongside human headcount.

As a result, other retailers, 3PLs, and distribution operators are now watching a real-world commercial case unfold at a facility they can benchmark against their own operations. Track this and similar automation stories on the US Manufacturing Investment Tracker, and explore the latest in manufacturing and supply chain news at IndustrialSage. For the full context of this announcement, see IndustrialSage Headlines Episode 26.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are Figure AI and Catalyst Brands?

Figure AI is a robotics company developing bipedal humanoid robots for commercial warehouse and manufacturing applications. Specifically, its flagship platform, Figure 03, runs on the Helix AI model trained on real-world operational data. Catalyst Brands is a retail holding company. It operates JCPenney, Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Lucky Brand, and Nautica across more than 1,800 U.S. storefronts.

What is the Figure 03 robot?

Figure 03 is the third-generation humanoid robot from Figure AI. Specifically, it runs on the Helix AI model, trained on real-world operational data rather than synthetic simulations. The robot can navigate stairs and uneven terrain, sort and pack objects, and perform repetitive warehouse tasks. Notably, Figure AI has produced more than 350 units, scaling from one robot per day to one per hour over four months.

What tasks do Figure AI humanoid robots perform at Catalyst Brands?

At Catalyst Brands’ Reno, Nevada distribution center, Figure 03 robots focus on sorting and packing within the facility’s Joey Pouch induction and sorting system. Specifically, the robots handle the physically demanding, repetitive aspects of warehouse sequencing and packing. As a result, associates can focus on higher-skill functions rather than sustained physical labor.

What is the Joey Pouch sorting system?

The Joey Pouch system is a state-of-the-art computerized induction, sorting, and packing system at Catalyst Brands’ Reno distribution center. Specifically, it automates the routing and sequencing of merchandise across the distribution workflow. Furthermore, Figure AI deploys humanoid robots to assist with the physical sorting and sequencing tasks within that system.

How fast is Figure AI scaling production?

Figure AI scaled its Figure 03 production rate from one robot per day to one per hour over four months. That represents a 24x improvement. Specifically, by the time of the Catalyst announcement, Figure AI had produced more than 350 third-generation units. Additionally, the company’s Helix AI model and actuator systems run across multiple robot variants.

How many storefronts does Catalyst Brands operate?

Catalyst Brands operates more than 1,800 retail storefronts across its portfolio of brands, including JCPenney, Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Lucky Brand, and Nautica. Specifically, the Reno, Nevada Distribution Logistics Center serves merchandise fulfillment across that full brand portfolio. Additionally, the facility received a $40 million infrastructure upgrade in 2024.