Destro has stepped out of stealth mode, securing an $8 million seed round, and is changing how robots collaborate with humans in logistics. Instead of focusing solely on robot design or advanced AI models like many traditional robotics firms, Destro has developed a distinctive AI intelligence layer that directs robots in real-world environments while also guiding human workers. This strategic approach marks a significant shift from the typical pursuits of robotics companies.
Manthan Pawar, the founder of Destro and a seasoned industry expert, highlighted this difference, saying, “One of the biggest reasons we are winning against robotics companies is because we are not a robotics company.” With a master’s degree in robotics from NYU Tandon and nearly a decade of experience in the U.S. supply chain and robotics sectors, Pawar and his team have a solid grasp of their customers’ challenges. They are even on track to achieve cash flow positivity by the end of this year.
Richard Brunelle, director of automation at Yusen Logistics, which oversees about 30 facilities across the U.S., has been instrumental in Destro’s direction. He is focused on integrating new technologies into logistics operations, including testing advanced solutions like trailer-unloading robots. Recognizing that Destro’s approach could tackle a major challenge in cross-docking–unloading goods from one truck and sorting them for delivery–he partnered with Destro to adapt their technology.
Destro kicked off a pilot program at a Yusen facility in the Pacific Northwest, deploying three cart-moving robots developed by Miva Robotics. These robots operate under Destro’s Vision operating system, which uses open-weight vision-language-action models to interpret camera images and instructions. As human workers load goods into various carts, the robots transport these full loads to their designated spots, boosting efficiency. This coordinated effort is managed through Destro’s Mothership operating system, aligning all actions–human, cart, and trucks–into a streamlined process.
Brunelle noted that this systematic approach diminishes the reliance on manual processes and paper documentation, making operations significantly less labor-intensive. Destro’s ability to implement autonomous direction throughout the workflow gave it a competitive edge over two other established robotics startups that could not integrate seamlessly into Yusen’s operations. One competitor offered a robot for point-to-point cart movement but lacked loading or unloading support, while the other required manual orchestration for fleet management.
After the successful pilot, Destro plans to expand its deployment to 26 robots and will launch another pilot program with 17 robots at Yusen’s facility in Southern California. Pawar is optimistic about replicating this cross-dock loading workflow in thousands of warehouses, which has helped attract investments from Base10 Partners and Bonfire Ventures, along with additional backing from CoFound Partners.
Challenges remain on the horizon. Destro may face difficulties with workflows that require more dexterity and manipulation, as generic robot bodies and models have not yet mastered these tasks. It’s uncertain whether the companies developing highly dexterous robotic components will grant access to such technologies to Destro, rather than keeping the market to themselves.
Brunelle, for his part, has yet to find a compelling application for bipedal humanoid robots, although he is considering a pilot with a wheeled humanoid. He firmly stated, “At the end of the day, we’re not putting automation into a building just because the technology is interesting. It must solve a real operational problem.” This philosophy emphasizes that automation must enhance efficiency, consistency, and flexibility in logistics operations.
Destro’s innovative approach to integrating AI with robotics has already proven effective in streamlining operations at Yusen Logistics, reducing manual processes and enhancing efficiency. As the company expands its pilot programs, it will need to address the challenges posed by workflows requiring more dexterity, which could impact its ability to scale its solutions across diverse logistics environments.
