Pickle Robot Co., which has developed automated systems to unload trucks, today announced that a Pickle Robot is in production at a Randa Apparel & Accessories fulfillment center in Fort Worth, Texas. The robot has been unloading containers of products there since mid-October.
About 25 million ocean freight containers are unloaded annually in the U.S., according to Pickle Robot. Most of those containers are floor-loaded, meaning people need to manually handle every package. It is one of the most physically demanding tasks in logistics and a source of constant staff turnover, the company noted.
Pickle Robot said its technology autonomously and reliably unloads trucks and containers, solving these challenges. It added that both distribution operators and their associates have embraced the robots.
“We are always looking for innovative technology that improves the work experience for our associates and the efficiency of our operations,” said Randy Kennedy, chief logistics officer at Randa Apparel & Accessories. “We’ve been looking for a viable container unloading solution for over five years because this is a critical part of our operations. The Pickle Robot ticks all the right boxes for Randa.”
As one of the world’s leading apparel and lifestyle accessories providers, Randa operates a portfolio of more than 30 brands across all distribution channels.
Pickle Robot shares AI DNA with self-driving cars
Pickle Robot said that physical artificial intelligence, which combines generative AI, transformers, and large foundation models, is the cornerstone of its robotic systems.
The Cambridge, Mass.-based company explained that it takes a “synchronized” approach to hardware and software development. This approach is built on a foundation of generative AI and machine vision. The result is a proprietary autonomy stack that shares its DNA with the world’s leading self-driving cars, said Pickle.
On the hardware side, the company combines advanced software with industrial robot arms and engineered components. Pickle said it uses robotic grippers with path-planning software to pick and place packages at human or better-than-human speed.
The suction-based grippers can pick up large, heavy packages no matter the location or freight configuration, Pickle Robot claimed. The system uses KUKA robot arms and works with commercially available conveyors.
Randa team considers robot a co-worker
generative AI, advanced
sensors, and an industrial
arm. | Source: Pickle Robot
So far, the Pickle Robot has unloaded over 1.5 million lb. (680,000 kg) of apparel, including pants, shirts, and accessories. In addition, the company said Randa’s inbound team considers the robot a team member. Fulfillment associates have had a positive reaction to working alongside the robot.
Each container holds between 800 and 1,200 cases that weigh up to 30 pounds. The robot now unloads these while the associates manage the robot and downstream processes inside the building. The work the robot does is physically demanding and repetitive for the associates. It is hot in the summer, and cold in the winter, making it one of the least enjoyable work areas in the warehouse.
“The Randa team has been amazing to work with,” said AJ Meyer, founder and CEO of Pickle Robot. “They are innovators, they look for practical ways to improve their operations, and they truly care about their associates. We are thrilled to have Randa as a production customer and look forward to where we go next with them.”