In a groundbreaking step for the logistics world, Contoro Robotics has landed $12 million in Series A funding. This investment is set to supercharge their AI-powered robots, designed to automate the tough job of unloading trailers and containers. If you’ve ever been involved in logistics, you know how physically demanding this task can be. Dr. Youngmok ‘Mok’ Yun, the founder and CEO of Contoro Robotics, is on a mission to change that.
Dr. Yun, who’s an expert in human-machine interaction from the University of Texas at Austin, previously co-founded Harmonic Bionics Inc., a company that developed systems to help stroke patients relearn tasks. Contoro Robotics is actually a spinoff from Harmonic Bionics. They’re using a human-in-the-loop (HITL) model, which has shown over 99% success in real-world settings. This approach bridges the gap between AI robotics and the needs of the industry.
What sets Contoro apart is their custom AI models and unique grasping techniques. Initially, their AI was trained through teleoperation, but now it works on its own, calling for human help only in rare situations. Their innovative Duo-Grasp system can handle all sorts of box sizes and weights, thanks to an articulated gripper with suction capabilities. Even in the unpredictable world of freight logistics, Contoro’s technology reliably unloads over 300-350 cases per hour.
To make automation more accessible, Contoro offers a pay-per-container pricing model. This Series A funding round attracted new investors like Doosan, Coupang, the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund, and IMM, alongside existing supporters such as SV Investment, KB Investment, Kakao Ventures, and Future Play. This brings Contoro’s total funding to $22 million.
If you’re in the logistics field, this is a development worth watching. With AI taking on the heavy lifting, warehouse teams can focus on strategic tasks, moving away from repetitive and hazardous work. It’s an exciting time for innovation in logistics, and Contoro Robotics is definitely leading the charge.
