In an era where labor is expensive, logistics sites are facing severe labor shortages. Most logistics centers currently rely heavily on human labor. However, this labor-dependent model is declining, with small and medium-sized logistics centers operating at only 50–70% utilization, far below the normal level of 80%. While large corporations can secure workers through higher wages, small and mid-sized logistics centers are struggling to recruit labor.
[Fig] Examples of Labor Shortages in Logistics Sites
In response, companies are accelerating logistics automation by introducing logistics robots. CJ Logistics has partnered with LG Electronics to jointly develop a system that performs picking, packing, and shipping by locating products using autonomous transport robot technology. These logistics robots are planned to be deployed in fulfillment centers. Meanwhile, Coupang is also advancing smart logistics by introducing automated sorting systems, expanding conveyor belts, and optimizing workflows using AI. In particular, Coupang is investing more than KRW 500 billion to implement robotic automation technologies. As such, the adoption of robots and automation in logistics is no longer optional but essential.
[Fig] Logistics Robot Deployment Cases of CJ Logistics and Coupang
Korean companies are also actively entering this space. Omelet Co., Ltd. (CEO: Jingyu Park), a logistics robot solution company, successfully raised seed funding (amount undisclosed) after its technological capabilities were recognized. Omelet has developed an AI optimization solver that automatically solves complex decision-making problems in logistics robot operations. This AI solver can determine task sequences for transportation routes, facility operations, and resource allocation. It has already proven its capabilities by being applied to logistics systems and autonomous robots within factories. Based on this investment, Omelet plans to launch OaaSIS (Optimization as a Service·Infra·System), a logistics optimization software that optimizes task allocation and sequencing in delivery operations.
[Fig] Example of Omelet’s AI-Based Logistics Robot Solution
Another Korean logistics robot company, Twinny Co., Ltd. (CEOs: Hongseok Cheon and Youngseok Cheon), is actively developing logistics robot technologies. Its autonomous robot “Nargo” automates material transport tasks typically performed by humans, making it suitable for industrial automation environments. Recently, the company developed its own route-guidance system, enabling autonomous navigation even in complex environments with many obstacles.
Additionally, XYZ Robotics Co., Ltd. (CEO: Wonseok Choi) is developing logistics robots to automate manual unloading and loading tasks (dock labor), which traditionally require intensive human effort. These robots can be applied to loading and unloading operations that previously suffered from space constraints, high injury risks, and low efficiency due to physically demanding labor. As such, the development of logistics robots is rapidly advancing.
[Fig] Twinny’s Order-Picking Logistics Robot and XYZ Robotics’ Unloading Robot Example
The BLT Patent & Law Firm Research Center stated that “the logistics robot solution market is expected to experience dramatic growth, and these technological changes will create new opportunities for companies through related technology development.” It further noted that “securing intellectual property rights for various applications of AI-based logistics robot solutions will be an effective strategic approach.”
As of 2024, BLT Patent & Law Firm has been selected as a partner by more than 2,000 innovative startups, supporting corporate growth and success through IP acquisition, strategic planning, investment attraction, and IP-based business support such as technology-special listings.
#LogisticsRobot #SmartLogistics #LastMile #LastMileLogistics #Omelet #OmeletAI #Twinny #XYZ #XYZRobotics
In an era where labor is expensive, logistics sites are facing severe labor shortages. Most logistics centers currently rely heavily on human labor. However, this labor-dependent model is declining, with small and medium-sized logistics centers operating at only 50–70% utilization, far below the normal level of 80%. While large corporations can secure workers through higher wages, small and mid-sized logistics centers are struggling to recruit labor.
[Fig] Examples of Labor Shortages in Logistics Sites
In response, companies are accelerating logistics automation by introducing logistics robots. CJ Logistics has partnered with LG Electronics to jointly develop a system that performs picking, packing, and shipping by locating products using autonomous transport robot technology. These logistics robots are planned to be deployed in fulfillment centers. Meanwhile, Coupang is also advancing smart logistics by introducing automated sorting systems, expanding conveyor belts, and optimizing workflows using AI. In particular, Coupang is investing more than KRW 500 billion to implement robotic automation technologies. As such, the adoption of robots and automation in logistics is no longer optional but essential.
[Fig] Logistics Robot Deployment Cases of CJ Logistics and Coupang
Korean companies are also actively entering this space. Omelet Co., Ltd. (CEO: Jingyu Park), a logistics robot solution company, successfully raised seed funding (amount undisclosed) after its technological capabilities were recognized. Omelet has developed an AI optimization solver that automatically solves complex decision-making problems in logistics robot operations. This AI solver can determine task sequences for transportation routes, facility operations, and resource allocation. It has already proven its capabilities by being applied to logistics systems and autonomous robots within factories. Based on this investment, Omelet plans to launch OaaSIS (Optimization as a Service·Infra·System), a logistics optimization software that optimizes task allocation and sequencing in delivery operations.
[Fig] Example of Omelet’s AI-Based Logistics Robot Solution
Another Korean logistics robot company, Twinny Co., Ltd. (CEOs: Hongseok Cheon and Youngseok Cheon), is actively developing logistics robot technologies. Its autonomous robot “Nargo” automates material transport tasks typically performed by humans, making it suitable for industrial automation environments. Recently, the company developed its own route-guidance system, enabling autonomous navigation even in complex environments with many obstacles.
Additionally, XYZ Robotics Co., Ltd. (CEO: Wonseok Choi) is developing logistics robots to automate manual unloading and loading tasks (dock labor), which traditionally require intensive human effort. These robots can be applied to loading and unloading operations that previously suffered from space constraints, high injury risks, and low efficiency due to physically demanding labor. As such, the development of logistics robots is rapidly advancing.
[Fig] Twinny’s Order-Picking Logistics Robot and XYZ Robotics’ Unloading Robot Example
The BLT Patent & Law Firm Research Center stated that “the logistics robot solution market is expected to experience dramatic growth, and these technological changes will create new opportunities for companies through related technology development.” It further noted that “securing intellectual property rights for various applications of AI-based logistics robot solutions will be an effective strategic approach.”
As of 2024, BLT Patent & Law Firm has been selected as a partner by more than 2,000 innovative startups, supporting corporate growth and success through IP acquisition, strategic planning, investment attraction, and IP-based business support such as technology-special listings.
#LogisticsRobot #SmartLogistics #LastMile #LastMileLogistics #Omelet #OmeletAI #Twinny #XYZ #XYZRobotics