FedEx Unveils AI-Powered Software to Enhance Trailer-Loading Process
(Image Source: Dexterity AI)
In a groundbreaking collaboration, FedEx Corp. has partnered with Dexterity AI to introduce an innovative AI-powered robotic solution for loading parcels into trucks and trailers. FedEx is currently conducting ongoing testing of the truck-loading technology with the goal of refining the system for future commercial deployment.
Manual loading has long been considered a physically demanding and intricate task in parcel hubs. Previous attempts at automation have struggled to cope with the intricate decision-making required to efficiently stack a wide variety of shipments found within FedEx's network. Dexterity AI has taken on the challenge of truck loading by equipping mobile robots with a comprehensive suite of capabilities, allowing them to see, touch, think, and rapidly arrange boxes within trailers to create stable, dense walls.
Rebecca Yeung, Corporate Vice President of Operations Science and Advanced Technologies for FedEx, expressed the company's commitment to innovation, stating, "Our culture of innovation is driven by a desire to help our team members and customers succeed. Collaborating with Dexterity AI to combine the latest in AI and robotics supports our operations team while meeting growing customer demand."
Introducing Next-Generation AI for Intelligent Truck Loading Robots
Dexterity AI's unique mobile robot, DexR, autonomously navigates to the back of trailers and connects to a powered conveyor system that feeds the robot boxes directly from the sortation system. DexR's distinctive two-arm design enables it to pick and pack boxes simultaneously, significantly improving throughput.
The Dexterity AI platform employs a broad range of intelligence to handle the complexities of truck loading required by operations. Some of its distinctive features include:
Generative Wall Planning: Dexterity's AI software rapidly evaluates billions of wall-building possibilities in 500 milliseconds or less with each new box presented to DexR, ensuring trailers are packed with tight, stable walls.
A Sense of Touch: Dexterity AI-powered force control gives robots the ability to gently nudge boxes together, creating tightly packed walls.
Machine Learning-Based Pack Improvement: The platform utilizes machine learning to continuously enhance efficiency in handling various packing challenges with every box picked.
Integrated Motion Planning: By integrating trajectory and motion planning, the Dexterity AI platform enables DexR's two arms to move swiftly inside trailers without collisions.
“Our culture of innovation is driven by a desire to help our team members and customers succeed,” said Rebecca Yeung, corporate vice president of Operations Science and Advanced Technologies for FedEx. “Based on feedback from our operations team, we have been looking for a solution that helps alleviate the challenges of truck loading. Collaborating with Dexterity AI to combine the latest in AI and robotics supports our operations team while meeting growing customer demand.”
Source: Dexterity AI and FedEx Unveil First-of-its-Kind Robotics Trailer Loading Technology
