Contoro Robotics, an Austin, TX-based startup developer of an artificial intelligence-powered robot intended to offer safe trailer and container unloading warehouse service.
Contoro Robotics was funded $12 million in Series A to expand its autonomous trailer and container unloading solutions. The funding round introduced new investors including Doosan, Coupang, Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund, and IMM, and saw continued support from other strategic angel investors of SV Investment, KB Investment, Kakao Ventures, and Future Play.
Founded in 2023 by CEO Youngmok “Mok” Yun, Contoro Robotics emerged as a spin-off from medical robotics firm Harmonic Bionics. The company has developed autonomous robots capable of unloading trailers and containers, focusing on the AI and remote operation of third-party robotic arms.
Contoro’s flagship robot, affectionately known as the “Dock Duck,” has been automating the unloading of floor-loaded, non-palletized boxes from trailers and shipping containers. In collaboration with States Logistics, a third-party services provider with over 5.5 million square feet of warehouse space and a fleet of more than 100 trucks, Contoro’s robots have autonomously unloaded over 100 trailers.
The “Dock Duck” employs advanced AI and teleoperation technologies to ensure reliable unloading services with minimal on-site human intervention. Its design features a mobile base with built-in connectivity and a conveyor belt, allowing autonomous navigation in and out of containers. An industrial-grade Kuka robotic arm enables rapid scaling, while the Adapt AI system, trained with customer-specific data, provides unmatched reliability.
Contoro’s human-in-the-loop (HITL) approach allows operators to remotely control robots for tasks where AI may encounter challenges. This method creates a continuous AI-learning loop, resulting in models that function reliably within customer environments and accelerating AI evolution.
The recent funding will enable Contoro to scale its operations and address one of the most labor-intensive challenges in logistics. By automating the unloading process, the company aims to enhance work safety, reduce injuries, and minimize employee turnover. The robots are designed to handle diverse box sizes, from 6 to 30 inches in length and up to 65 pounds, and can be easily moved between docks via remote control or forklift. Safety is a priority, with custom enclosures, comprehensive operator training, and clear safety protocols in place.
Contoro offers its unloading service on a per-container basis, eliminating the need for expensive capital investments or long-term contracts. This flexible operating model allows customers to adjust robot capacity to meet fluctuating freight demands.
Contoro’s advancements highlight the growing momentum in warehouse automation, showcasing how innovative robotics solutions can revolutionize supply chain efficiency. As logistics providers face increasing demands, partnerships like that between Contoro and States Logistics pave the way for smarter, faster, and more sustainable operations.
By: K. Tagura
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