The new system, named Scoop, is specifically designed for unloading goods from transport trailers. This solution optimizes operations at FedEx's package handling centers, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

The Scoop automated unloading robot. Photo: Robotics & Automation News.

The Scoop automated unloading robot. Photo: Robotics & Automation News.

Unloading diverse packages from trailers has long been one of the most unpredictable and labor-intensive tasks at sorting centers. The Scoop system was developed to address this challenge by maintaining a continuous processing flow, handling various package types, and allowing human intervention when necessary.

Kawal Preet, FedEx's executive vice president of planning, engineering, and transformation, stated that applying Berkshire Grey's new physical AI solution reflects the company's commitment to enhancing worker safety, fostering innovation, and increasing sustainable operations.

"By applying smart technology in trailer unloading, we equip our workforce with more modern tools, thereby improving safety and operational efficiency while maintaining the service standards our customers expect", he said.

Scoop operates based on physical AI technology, enabling robots to fully automate bulk unloading. This solution enhances employee safety, boosts operational efficiency, and sets new standards for logistics automation in complex processing environments. Key system improvements include:

Enhanced safety and maintainability. The system is designed with safety as a priority, while also allowing human support during exceptional situations.

Continuous processing flow. It ensures a stable flow of goods, rather than optimizing individual package handling.

Minimal infrastructure impact. The system can be integrated into existing FedEx facilities without major modifications.

AI-driven automation. Robots identify various package types and make real-time decisions to move safely within the trailer, unloading all goods at high speed before automatically exiting the vehicle.

The pilot program has been deployed, and FedEx expects to operationalize the first Scoop systems in 2026.

Dave Paratore, CEO of Berkshire Grey, said the collaborative project with FedEx focuses on developing scalable robotic solutions to enhance safety, improve operational efficiency, and reduce system maintenance complexity. "The deployment of Scoop at FedEx demonstrates that robots can create tangible improvements in real-world logistics operations", he said.

Previously, in 2021, FedEx implemented Berkshire Grey's Robotic Product Sortation and Identification (RPSi) system to automate the daily sorting of small packages for distribution.

In 2022, the two parties further expanded their collaboration with an agreement to develop new AI robotic solutions, aiming to enhance safety and efficiency in FedEx's global package handling processes.

Anh Duong (according to Robotics & Automation News)