Fox Robotics, an Austin, Tex.-based autonomous forklift manufacturer, recently announced a multi-year partnership with Walmart to deploy 19 FoxBot autonomous forklifts across four high-tech distribution centers. The companies also announced the potential for future deployments based on pending continued performance.
After a 16-month proof of concept at its Brooksville, Fla. distribution center, Walmart announced that it also invested growth capital for a minority stake in Fox Robotics.
FoxBot moves beyond picks milestones
After the company announced its FoxBot surpassed 2.5 million picks in February 2024, Fox Robotics has now secured a major customer in the warehouse space.
“As the leader in autonomous trailer loading and unloading, Fox Robotics is pleased to deepen its relationship with Walmart as a key customer and investor,” said Marin Tchakarov, President and CEO of Fox Robotics. “We see this collaboration as the latest massive validation point of our technology and product capabilities, solidifying our leadership position in the warehouse shipping and receiving dock automation space.”
During the 16-month trial, the Walmart distribution center in Brooksville saw an uptick in truck unloading capabilities and associate physical wellbeing.
Jose Molina, a 26-year associate, was specifically mentioned as part of the trial run between Fox Robotics and Walmart. He more than doubled the previous Brooksville distribution center record for trailers unloaded in a day, reaching a high of 27 trucks in a 10-hour shift.
“I believe these benefits will be wide ranging,” said Maurice Gray, General Manager of Walmart distribution center 6020. “And I should know – I’ve seen them firsthand. As our facility has worked with Fox Robotics, the developer of autonomous forklifts, we’ve learned a lot. But I can sum it up easily: Automation isn’t just good for business – it’s good for our associates too.”
Molina also saw a major reduction in walking during a shift. Before the deployment, Molina walked an average of 10 miles per day. During the FoxBot deployment, he was down closer to two miles per day.
“Our new autonomous forklift program with Fox Robotics is proof positive that when you empower associates, embrace innovation and welcome new opportunities you’ll see growth for the business and its people,” said Shayne Wahlmeier, vice president of innovation & automation at Walmart.
Fox Robotics closed on $20M in a fundraising round in October 2022 and has deployed its products in multiple locations, including a Carhartt facility in central Ohio.
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