Barrett Distribution Centers Expands UNIT AI Partnership to Bring Physical AI Across Its Warehouse Network
Barrett Distribution Centers Expands UNIT AI Partnership to Bring Physical AI Across Its Warehouse Network
PR Newswire
BOSTON, Oct. 1, 2026
Planned 2027 deployment will connect inventory, fulfillment and returns across Barrett's national operations
BOSTON, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Barrett Distribution Centers, a leading national third-party logistics provider, today announced an expanded partnership with UNIT AI to deploy UNIT's new Networked Physical AI Platform across its operations beginning in 2027.
The deployment marks the next phase of Barrett's warehouse automation strategy. UNIT's platform will connect inventory, fulfillment and returns across Barrett's network, helping improve capacity use, inventory placement and responsiveness to demand.
"The continued growth of eCommerce requires a structural realignment across supply chains," said Tim Barrett, CEO of Barrett. "Expanding our partnership with UNIT will give us the ability to intelligently coordinate inventory, fulfillment and returns across our network while creating new opportunities to improve efficiency, inventory utilization and customer service."
Unlike traditional warehouse automation systems designed to operate within a single facility, UNIT's Networked Physical AI Platform connects operations across multiple warehouse locations. Its initial capabilities include distributed inventory placement, intelligent fulfillment orchestration, network-wide inventory visibility and decentralized returns processing.
"The first wave of warehouse automation focused on making individual facilities more efficient," said Avihou Barkay, co-founder and chief business officer at UNIT. "Our expanded partnership with Barrett represents the next phase: connecting facilities so inventory, fulfillment and returns can be intelligently orchestrated across an entire network and near points of consumption. Barrett has the scale, operational expertise and customer reach to demonstrate what physical AI can unlock for the broader logistics industry."
The platform is delivered through UNIT's flexible Warehouse-as-a-Service model, allowing Barrett to introduce and scale AI-powered robotics without the significant upfront costs, operational complexity or lengthy implementation timelines typically associated with warehouse automation.
The expanded partnership builds on Barrett's continued investment in technology designed to provide its customers with more flexible, efficient and responsive logistics operations. It also reflects the companies' shared vision for moving warehouse automation beyond individual facilities and creating intelligent networks that can dynamically coordinate activity across the supply chain.
About Barrett Distribution Centers
Barrett Distribution is a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider delivering customized warehousing, fulfillment, transportation and value-added logistics solutions for growing brands. With decades of experience managing complex supply chains, Barrett serves apparel, footwear, consumer products and other high-touch industries, helping brands scale efficiently and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Barrett has also been recognized as one of Inc.'s Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America more than 15 times, reflecting its long-term growth and commitment to helping clients succeed. Barrett combines experienced people, flexible operations, advanced technology and a highly customized approach to meet each client's unique needs. From direct-to-consumer and eCommerce fulfillment to retail and omnichannel distribution, Barrett provides the expertise and infrastructure brands need to scale with speed, accuracy and service.
About UNIT AI
UNIT AI develops physical AI-powered software that automates each-level inventory management, e-commerce fulfillment, and returns for retailers, brands, and third-party logistics providers. Its modular, pay-per-use platform enables customers to introduce automation incrementally, reduce fulfillment costs, and scale intelligent operations across their warehouse networks.
SOURCE Barrett Distribution Centers Inc.
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