The South Korean logistics industry is ramping up its experiments with humanoid robots. This initiative aims to apply humanoid technology in logistics environments that have traditionally relied on human judgment and dexterity, unlike the simple, repetitive processes found in manufacturing plants.
CJ Logistics is focusing on developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) brain, while Lotte Global Logistics is conducting trials with bipedal humanoids. Other companies like Hanjin are exploring long-term potential applications, even if they’re not implementing the technology immediately. Although still in its early stages, industry experts view this proactive approach to humanoids and physical AI as a response to an emerging global technology trend.
Why Humanoids? Moving Beyond Simple Automation to Replicate Human Roles
Logistics centers have been automating for years. Since the late 2010s, machines like barcode scanners, conveyor belts for sorting, and wheel sorters have become commonplace. However, tasks such as picking, packing, and shipping still heavily rely on human workers due to the variety of package shapes and sizes, and the need for situational judgment.
This dependence on human labor has made logistics a challenging frontier for robotics, unlike the highly automated manufacturing sector. The industry’s focus on humanoid robots stems from their potential to see, judge, and manipulate objects like humans, potentially overcoming current automation limitations.
Many logistics jobs involve repetitive, physically demanding tasks that are increasingly unappealing to workers. This aversion intensifies in harsh working conditions, such as extreme heat or cold.
An industry insider explained that humanoids aren’t meant to replace existing jobs, but to assist or take over high-intensity, high-risk tasks that humans find challenging. They added that this approach differs from models aiming for complete automation, like Amazon.
CJ Logistics Develops AI Brains for Humanoids, Leveraging Logistics Data
CJ Logistics recently partnered with physical AI company RealWorld to co-develop a Robotics Foundation Model (RFM) that serves as the brain for humanoid robots. The core technology enables AI-driven robots to perceive and respond to their environment like humans.
The two companies plan to enhance the RFM using real operational data from tasks like picking, sorting, and packing collected at logistics centers. Their goal is to advance the technology to practical trials and eventual commercialization. CJ Logistics will focus on identifying automatable processes and verifying their business viability, while RealWorld will concentrate on developing software for high-precision robotic hand control.
Building on its ongoing automation efforts through the TES Logistics Technology Research Institute, CJ Logistics envisions a future where humanoids work alongside existing logistics robots and human employees.
Lotte Trials Bipedal Humanoids, Aiming to Surpass Human Efficiency
Lotte Global Logistics is conducting research on bipedal humanoid robots in collaboration with robotics firm Robros. Their objective is to train these robots using real logistics operational data and optimize them by integrating with internal systems.
Once technical validation from various universities is complete, they plan to deploy the robots at the Jincheon Fulfillment Center. There, the robots will be trained in shipping and packing tasks while gathering additional data. The company aims to expand the application to major logistics centers and assess the potential for commercialization.
A Lotte Global Logistics representative stated that given the demand for humanoid technology in logistics, which is being promoted as a national project, they’ve decided to collaborate. If the efficiency doesn’t surpass that of humans, there’s no reason for adoption. It is still in the trial phase.
They continued that it is advancing technology to enable humanoid robots to see, judge, and perform tasks autonomously. It is also evaluating whether this can lead to highly efficient logistics solutions based on unmanned automation.
Hanjin is also reportedly considering the application of humanoid robots in logistics over the medium to long term. They’re particularly interested in technologies that can enhance workforce efficiency and operational stability at overseas locations, such as fulfillment centers in the U.S.
The logistics industry believes that introducing humanoids will significantly improve workforce efficiency and operational stability. The goal extends beyond reducing labor costs to alleviating the burden of high-intensity work, standardizing work quality, and reducing accident risks, leading to structural efficiency improvements.
An industry insider noted that in the global logistics landscape, workforce availability and cost issues are increasingly significant. Humanoids represent a long-term technological investment rather than a quick fix. It is looking at a 10 to 20-year horizon for these innovations to fully mature.
