Yusen Logistics (Americas) Inc., a global player in supply chain logistics, has initiated a strategic collaboration with Pickle Robot Company, a leader in Physical AI and robotic automation. This partnership begins with integrating Pickle Unload systems at Yusen’s Contract Logistics Group transloading operation in Long Beach, California. By implementing this innovative solution, not only does it alleviate the physical workload for Yusen Logistics employees, but it also enhances service reliability.
In the logistics sector, transloading, involving manual unloading of large cargo volumes from ocean containers, is physically demanding, dirty, occasionally unsafe, and increasingly challenging for workers. Pickle Robots tackle these challenges by autonomously unloading trailers and containers, offering a dependable solution for distribution operators and their associates. The collaboration between Pickle Robots and Yusen began in September 2023, initially focusing on processing import freight at the Long Beach transload facility. This partnership signifies the start of a strategic alliance, with Yusen utilizing Pickle Unload Systems under Robotics as a Service (RaaS) terms. This approach allows Yusen Logistics to benefit from current practical implementations while gaining early access to advanced Pickle Robot capabilities as they evolve.
John Rae, VP of Operations for Yusen’s Contract Logistics Group, expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting how it aligns with their commitment to innovation, improving the work environment for employees, and ensuring exceptional customer service. The pilot program is particularly significant considering the substantial volume of over 200,000 ocean freight containers transloaded annually, demanding automation solutions to reduce physically demanding tasks for team members. The Pickle Robot Unload System is poised to transform their operations significantly.
AJ Meyer, Founder and CEO of Pickle Robot Company, emphasized the synergy between Yusen Logistics and Pickle robots due to a considerable portion of their freight being robot-compatible currently, providing instant access to various types of freight as new capabilities are introduced. Meyer expressed satisfaction with the partnership, citing the vast number and variety of containers processed daily by Yusen and their eagerness to explore the potential value further as Pickle Robot Company executes its product roadmap.
Source: Yusen Logistics
