Robots will unload boxes and undertake security patrols at CEVA Logistics’ new transload facility near Los Angeles. 

The autonomous robots, from Boston Dynamics, will be deployed at CEVA’s 135,000 sq.ft. (12,542 sqm) warehouse, which caters to consumer retail and technology companies and is near both the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles, two pivotal gateways for global trade and the U.S. economy.

Stretch robots are used to unload boxes, while Spot robots are being used for security.

CEVA is also using One Network’s yard and warehouse management systems.

Kevin Blankespoor, senior vice president and general manager of warehouse robotics at Boston Dynamics, says: “Stretch is designed to safely and rapidly unload containers, which can be a difficult task to perform manually based on the height and weight of boxes, as well as the often-high temperatures found inside containers. 

“Stretch can reach boxes up to 50 pounds (23 kg) in weight, its vision system enables it to adapt to different stacking configurations and it does not require any pre-programming. The robots are ready to go to work as soon as they arrive.”

CEVA says its new transload site is the only such facility in North America to offer a cross-belt sortation device, enabling 10,000 parcels to be sorted every hour based on preselected variables such as size, colour or preferred carrier.

The company expects to process a total of 26,000 floor-loaded containers during the facility’s first year in operation and to double its capacity within three years.

Ashfaque Chowdhury, managing director for North America, CEVA Logistics, says: “The new site builds on our robust network of warehouses across the continent, giving our customers more control and flexibility over their supply chains.”

Environmental initiatives, including rooftop solar panels and EV trucks powered by renewable energy sources, will be in service at the warehouse by January 2024.

Meanwhile, in Japan modular housing company Sekisui Heim has deployed an EffiBOT to convey parts between various buildings at its manufacturing site.

Effidence dealer Marubeni MSYS customised the autonomous robots to suit the requirements of Sekisui Heim, enlarging the robot platform and adding a touch screen and indicators for added safety.

“EffiBOT is suitable to cooperate in a mixed environment because we can set the detection distance and detection areas, for example pedestrian crossings, of people and objects as we wish,” Sekisui Heim says in a statement.

“Support for parts and modifications was provided through MSYS, and we were able to implement the system quickly.”