Cutting Down Trailer Loading Time from Hours to Minutes

In the bustling world of logistics, loading and unloading trucks can be a time-consuming process. Forklifts, which are essential for transporting goods, often have to navigate in and out of trailers, taking up to an hour or more to complete the task. This not only wastes time but also increases the risk of accidents and errors.

Introducing Slip Robotics

In 2020, Chris Smith, Dennis Siedlak, and John Jakomin founded Atlanta-based Slip Robotics with a mission to revolutionize the logistics industry. Their innovative solution is based on a simple yet brilliant idea: building a robot that can mimic the floor of a warehouse. The result is SlipBot, a commercial robot-as-a-service business that combines automation software and large floor-like robotic platforms.

The Design Inspiration

Smith’s collective experience at former employers Cummins, Tesla, and Volley Automation played a significant role in developing the concept of SlipBots. His time at Tesla, where he led factory simulation and analytics as one of the first 50 engineers at the Gigafactory in Sparks, Nevada, was particularly influential.

The Idea Takes Shape

Smith’s singular thought, ‘What if I built the floor, but it moves?’ became the foundation for SlipBots. Freight is typically set down on the floor for staging, where it’s picked up by forklifts. Smith’s idea was to replace this traditional method with robotic floor-like platforms that could move everything at once.

Three Years of Development and Testing

After three years of development and testing, Slip Robotics launched its commercial service in 2023. The company has since grown to about 50 employees, with hundreds of SlipBots being used in facilities across more than 25 sites ranging from 20,000 square feet to over 2 million square feet in size.

Customers and Funding

Slip Robotics customers include industry giants like John Deere, GE Appliances, Valeo, and Nissan. The company offers a subscription license fee for the use of SlipBots, with ongoing software updates, hardware service, maintenance, and repairs included. Jordan Sanders, Chief Commercial Officer, explained that customers typically have a ‘three, three, three’ setup: three bots on a dock, three in transit, and three waiting at the destination.

Investors Take Notice

Slip Robotics has attracted investors with its innovative approach to logistics automation. The company closed a significant funding round, which helped it expand its operations and further develop its technology. With this investment, Slip Robotics is poised to continue disrupting the logistics industry and revolutionizing the way goods are transported.

The Future of Logistics

As the demand for faster and more efficient transportation continues to grow, Slip Robotics is well-positioned to meet this need. By automating the trailer loading process, the company can reduce costs, minimize errors, and increase productivity. With its innovative technology and experienced team, Slip Robotics is leading the charge in revolutionizing logistics.

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