FedEx Deploys Scoop Autonomous Robotic Trailer Unloaders to Enhance Workplace Safety and Efficiency

FedEx Corp. has officially announced the implementation of Scoop, a fully autonomous robotic system designed to automate trailer unloading. Developed in a multi-year partnership with Berkshire Grey, the system uses physical AI to navigate the unpredictable environment of a cargo trailer. This technology aims to transform one of the most physically strenuous tasks in the logistics industry into a streamlined, automated process.

Unloading trailers is a notoriously difficult job because packages often shift during transit, creating unstable walls of varying boxes. Scoop addresses this by using a bulk-handling approach that maintains a continuous flow of items into the facility sortation network. By automating this workflow, FedEx expects to significantly reduce workplace injuries and improve overall operational resiliency.

The Scoop system is engineered to recognize a variable mix of packages in real-time and make autonomous decisions to maneuver safely inside trailers. It can fully empty a trailer at high throughput before exiting the vehicle without human intervention. The design is built to be integrated into existing FedEx facilities with minimal structural changes required.

Kawal Preet, executive vice president at FedEx, emphasized that this rollout reflects the company commitment to safety and innovation. She noted that equipping the workforce with cutting-edge technology helps maintain high service standards while improving the daily workflow for team members. The first Scoop systems are scheduled to enter active operation later in calendar year 2026.

This launch marks a major milestone in the collaboration between FedEx and Berkshire Grey, which began in 2021 with robotic sortation systems. Berkshire Grey, now a subsidiary of SoftBank Group, has focused on creating scalable solutions for the most complex parts of the supply chain. The partnership was expanded in 2022 to develop broader AI capabilities specifically for global package handling. FedEx continues to explore various robotic solutions, including previous tests with Dexterity AI for trailer loading. As labor costs rise and demand for speed increases, these physical AI systems are becoming essential for modern parcel hubs. The deployment follows successful pilot programs that proved the system's ability to handle real-world logistics challenges.