Ukraine's Postal Service Tests Exoskeletons for Staff and Lists Real Estate Worth 248 Million Hryvnias

Ukraine's Postal Service Trials Exoskeletons

According to Главком: Ukraine's national postal service, Ukrposhta, has begun testing exoskeletons for employees at its logistics centers. This initiative aims to improve working conditions and reduce physical strain. The trial is taking place at the Kyiv-Left sorting terminal, a 14,000-square-meter facility that opened in 2024. The company is using the X PRO and X Carbon exoskeleton models from the manufacturer Hypershell (Robotics Distribution). These devices weigh just 2 kg and can absorb up to 30% of a load's weight, a significant benefit given that parcels can weigh as much as 30 kg.

Real Estate Portfolio Analysis and Sale

The exoskeleton testing will continue for several months, during which Ukrposhta's team will analyze results and gather feedback. The company's General Director, Ihor Smilianskyi, stated:

“A test drive of exoskeletons has begun at our Kyiv-Left terminal. Currently, these are the X PRO and X Carbon models from Hypershell. Over the next few months, we will analyze the test results and collect team feedback. If such an upgrade helps our specialists get less tired and feel better, then we will scale this experience to other sorting centers in the country.” - Ihor Smilianskyi

In a separate strategic move, Ukrposhta has also listed 20 real estate properties with a total area of 32.8 thousand square meters for sale via the Prozorro.Sale system. These assets represent about 3% of the company's portfolio. The auctions will run from March 3 to 12, with a combined starting price of nearly 248 million hryvnias. The most expensive lot is the buildings of a former sorting center in Lviv, covering 5.6 thousand square meters with a starting price of 56.9 million hryvnias. It is notable that the Lviv property has been unused since November 2022.

The exoskeleton trial represents a significant step toward improving the welfare of Ukrposhta's workforce, which could positively impact their productivity and health. This adoption of new logistics technology underscores the company's commitment to investing in innovation and operational efficiency. Meanwhile, the sale of real estate assets appears to be part of a broader strategy to optimize the company's portfolio, reduce costs, and strengthen its financial position amid ongoing market challenges. These developments highlight how Ukrainian state-owned enterprises are modernizing operations while managing assets pragmatically.