Automation can move quickly in supply chains. Cyngn yesterday said that G&J Pepsi has signed a new purchase order for a multi-vehicle expansion of its DriveMod Tugger program. The order represents a continuation of G&J Pepsi’s shift toward scaled autonomy across its distribution network.
The companies recently announced their initial deployment of Cyngn’s automated tuggers at G&J Pepsi’s warehouses.
Cyngn noted that this next phase of deployment is notable because G&J Pepsi has not yet finalized which facilities will receive the DriveMod systems. It claimed the decision “reflects the consistency of DriveMod’s performance and its applicability across a range of workflows.”
G&J Pepsi sees clear value in DriveMod
G&J Pepsi, which said it is the largest independent Pepsi bottler in the U.S., serves customers throughout Ohio and Kentucky with a portfolio of more than 650 products supported by a workforce of over 1,900 employees.
“Expanding our DriveMod program reflects the results we’ve already seen and the broader potential we believe autonomy holds for our network,” stated Jeff Erwin, vice president for manufacturing and quality at G&J Pepsi.
“We’re moving forward with additional vehicles before finalizing their facility assignments because the value is clear,” he added. “The technology performs consistently, integrates cleanly, and gives us a scalable path to strengthening productivity across our operations.”
Cyngn develops autonomy to drive efficiency
Founded in 2013, Cyngn said it has designed its autonomous vehicle technology to streamline repetitive material handling tasks, reduce operational variability, and support productivity improvements across large-scale distribution centers. The Mountain View, Calif.-based company asserted that it addresses challenges facing manufacturers and logistics providers such as labor shortages and costly safety incidents.
Cyngn said DriveMod empowers customers to seamlessly bring self-driving technology to their operations without high upfront costs or infrastructure installations. The technology is currently available on Motrec MT-160 tuggers and BYD forklifts.
The DriveMod Tugger hauls up to 12,000 lb. (5,443.1 kg), travels inside and outdoors, and promises a typical payback period of less than two years. The DriveMod Forklift can lift heavy loads that use non-standard pallets and is currently available to select customers.
Cyngn said the forthcoming multi-vehicle deployment will allow G&J Pepsi to extend mobile robot efficiencies across additional sites within its network.
“Customers increasingly view autonomy as a strategic capability rather than a point solution tied to a single use case,” said Lior Tal, CEO of Cyngn. “When organizations commit to additional vehicles before identifying their specific assignments, it signals a high level of confidence in both the technology and the operational return it delivers across different environments.”
Cyngn last month reported that its year-to-date third-quarter revenue was $150,900 compared with $61,800 in the third quarter of 2024. Total costs and expenses in the year-to-date third quarter were $19.2 million, an increase of $1.9 million or 11% from $17.3 million in the third quarter of 2024. Its net loss for the third quarter was $17.8 million compared with $17.2 million in the corresponding quarter of 2024.