AI Agents in the Warehouse: Where to Start

tom01419
Jan 6
2 min read

Perseuss Webinar Recap with Ascension Logistics

In our latest Perseuss webinar, we hosted our first session in a new monthly series focused on AI in the warehouse. Together with Ascension Logistics, we explored a simple but important question:

If AI can be used everywhere in the warehouse, where should teams actually start?

The answer, based on real deployments, was clear: cartonization.

From AI Hype to Practical Starting Points

AI is everywhere right now. Most warehouse leaders know they need to adopt it but many don’t know where it will create real, measurable value.

As discussed during the webinar, the mistake is trying to apply AI everywhere at once. Instead, the goal is to start with a problem that already exists, is measurable, and directly impacts cost and productivity.

Cartonization fits that profile perfectly.

What Cartonization Really Means

Cartonization is the process of deciding how items are packed into boxes, totes, pallets, or containers.

At first glance, it seems simple. But in reality, it involves balancing:

Item dimensions and weight
Carrier pricing rules
Damage risk
Labor efficiency
Sustainability and material usage

Humans often default to “one box if it fits.”AI doesn’t.

By simulating thousands of packing scenarios in seconds, AI agents can choose the option that minimizes cost, labor, or another business priority without slowing down the warehouse floor.

How Perseuss Uses AI Agents

Perseuss acts as a smart optimization layer on top of existing WMS platforms.

During the webinar, we discussed how the Perseuss AI agent integrates with systems like Blue Yonder, Manhattan, Deposco, Logiwa, and others without replacing them.

The agent:

Ingests order, item, and carton data
Applies business rules and constraints
Simulates thousands of packing scenarios
Selects the optimal result in real time

All while fitting directly into existing warehouse workflows.

Real Examples Shared During the Webinar

Three real-world use cases were highlighted:

1. Cartonization at the pack station - Packers receive clear guidance on how many boxes to use and what goes where, reducing guesswork and rework.

2. Cartonization before picking - Pickers are guided to pack directly during the pick process, eliminating unnecessary handling and increasing units per hour.

3. Cartonization at checkout - Shipping dates, rates, and delivery promises are calculated before the customer clicks “buy,” helping brands convert more sales while protecting margins.

Each example showed how a back-end warehouse problem can directly impact cost, speed, and customer experience.