This morning — shortly after Day 2 of IoT Evolution Expo 2025 began here at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale — I attended two great #TECHSUPERSHOW keynotes: The first featured panelists from GetWireless, AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. (Full coverage here.)
The second keynote?
“IoT and AI: Revolutionizing Efficiency and Experiences,” presented by Chris Swearingen, Managing Director at FedEx.
“For 50+ years,” Swearingen began, “FedEx has built an expansive physical network to transport goods around the world. Over time, a lot of data has, of course, been generated.”
“Across our assets,” he continued, “we generate a petabyte of data every day. Given that’s the case, it’s imperative that we focus on and take great advantage of that data to serve global customers.”
From there, Swearingen walked the audience through the general timeline.
“In the past,” he explained, “there was FedEx.com/Tracking, and our DADS, a.k.a. ‘Digitally Assisted Dispatching System.’ Then down the road, there was SenseAware Mobile & SenseAware ID, as well as package-sorting robotics. The latter is self-explanatory, and the former are our technologies that use lightweight, compact sensors that transmit precise package location data via Bluetooth Low Energy, or BLE.”
“Now,” Swearingen said, building up the energy to this next point, “FedEx utilizes autonomous vehicles and autonomous trailer loading, AI-enabled cameras, and more.”
But what does “and more” mean here?
As he went on to describe, it’s FedEx Dataworks.
“FedEx Dataworks drives innovation and new capabilities for FedEx customers globally. By giving our teams access to accurate freight data, they can make smarter decisions, increase efficiency, and devise new tools on your behalf.”
“The results our customers are sharing only further embolden us,” Swearingen said. “They’re able to eliminate manual processes and identify shipment delays before problems arise. Our predictive algorithms grant them more control over their supply chains, as well as greater visibility as they continue digitizing their operations — visibility like never before, bolstered by historical analyses, near-real-time monitoring, and enhanced forecasting.”
Furthermore, FedEx’s machine learning technology gives parcel recipients the confidence to know that the company is actively monitoring the delivery of the packages they’re expecting. (Not to mention an easy-to-use, interactive tracking dashboard with delivery statuses, early warnings, potential weather impacts, and risk management tools.)
“And then,” Swearingen said, nearing the end of his presentation, “there’s FedEx fdx. This data-driven commerce platform leverages the power of FedEx’s network insights to connect the entire customer journey, making it exceptionally easier for customers to grow demand, increase conversion, optimize fulfillment and streamline returns.”
Sounds great, if you ask us. Break down silos that’d otherwise disconnect the customer journey? Create stronger connections? Empower merchants with actionable insights?
That’s FedEx’s current IoT-made-possible plan in action.
Learn more about what’s in store at IoT Evolution Expo here.
Edited by
Alex Passett
