Robotic Duck Transforms Warehouse Work at States Logistics Facility

States Logistics has marked a year of successful robotic trailer unloading at its Buena Park, California, facility. The company partnered with Contoro Robotics to deploy Dock Duck, an autonomous unloading robot that has transformed warehouse operations. This innovation has already handled over 450 non-palletized trailers in the past 12 months.

The technology has also boosted efficiency, with throughput rising by 20% every six months. Now, the system includes full palletization, removing the need for manual labour in unloading and stacking freight.

Dock Duck operates by driving directly into trailers and using its patented DuoGrasp 'beak' to grip boxes. It then transfers them onto a conveyance system, allowing warehouse teams to work outside the trailer in a safer environment. Jesse Sevilla, Director of Sales and Operations at States Logistics, emphasised how the partnership with Contoro has improved both safety and productivity for staff.

States Logistics, which manages over 5.5 million square feet of warehousing across California and Arizona, has long been a leader in adopting automation. Dr. Youngmok Yun, CEO of Contoro Robotics, praised the company’s forward-thinking approach to technology. The collaboration is set to grow further, with plans to expand Dock Duck to additional sites in 2026. The system’s AdaptAI and InteleOp features have driven the 20% throughput improvements recorded every six months. With no manual handling required, the full palletization component now allows freight to be unloaded and stacked automatically, streamlining the entire process.

The year-long trial at Buena Park has proven the effectiveness of Dock Duck in handling floor-loaded, non-palletized trailers. States Logistics will continue scaling the technology across more locations by 2026. The expansion aims to enhance efficiency and safety in truck handling operations further.