Transforming Dock Operations: How Saddle Creek Logistics Enhanced Safety and Efficiency with Mobile Robotics

Revolutionizing Dock Operations: Saddle Creek’s Success with Mobile Robotics

In the fast-paced world of logistics, optimizing operations while ensuring the safety and well-being of workforce is paramount. At Saddle Creek Logistics Services’ facility in Modesto, California, this was a pressing concern. Unloading floor-loaded containers had become a challenging task, characterized by extreme heat, physical strain, and staffing issues. Let’s dive deeper into how Saddle Creek tackled these challenges by embracing innovative technology.

The Problem: A Tough Environment

For years, associates at Saddle Creek faced tough conditions while unloading containers. Temperatures could soar above 130 degrees, creating an uncomfortable and unsafe work environment. The physical demands of repetitive bending and lifting led not just to injuries but also made it difficult to maintain a consistent workforce.

Recognizing that a redesign of the dock or a heavy investment in fixed automation wasn’t feasible, Saddle Creek sought a solution that could integrate into existing operations while being flexible enough to adapt to fluctuating workloads.

The Solution: Introducing Pixmo

Saddle Creek partnered with Anyware Robotics to deploy Pixmo, an AI-powered mobile robot specifically engineered to assist in unloading boxes efficiently and safely. Pixmo consists of a collaborative robot arm on an autonomous mobile base, allowing it to work alongside human operators without compromising safety.

Equipped with a conveyor add-on, Pixmo ensures seamless transfer of boxes to outbound conveyors or pallets. Its AI-driven software is capable of adjusting to a variety of box sizes, orientations, and loading mechanisms, making it a versatile tool in the ever-changing landscape of logistics.

Benefits Realized: Safety and Efficiency

Since the deployment of Pixmo, Saddle Creek has reported significant improvements:

• Zero Injuries: The standout success is the elimination of injuries associated with container unloading, making previously hazardous tasks safe.
• Reduced Labor Requirements: Staffing has dropped from four or five workers per container to just one or two operators, alleviating labor pressure and enhancing consistency.

Chris Svatek, Vice President of Operations at Saddle Creek, emphasizes the focus on technology that both enhances safety and boosts efficiency: “Pixmo fits perfectly into our workflow, helping us move goods faster while reducing the strain on our associates.”

Sustained Performance

The success of Pixmo couldn’t be more evident in the numbers: during the second half of 2026, it efficiently unloaded over 220 containers and moved more than 4.5 million pounds of goods. The average container turnaround time remained steady at two to three hours, allowing Saddle Creek to maintain predictable throughput during peak demands.

Expanding Capabilities: Mobile Palletizing

Building on the success of Pixmo in unloading, Saddle Creek has expanded its use to mobile palletizing. This development further enhances operational flexibility, enabling the facility to adapt to varying workflows without the constraints of fixed equipment.

The Future of Logistics: Automation and Workforce Transformation

Saddle Creek’s innovative use of mobile robotics underscores a key industry insight: automation doesn’t necessarily replace jobs. Instead, tools like Pixmo automate the most hazardous and repetitive aspects of warehouse work, allowing associates to transition into roles that require higher value and engagement.

Conclusion: A New Approach to Dock Operations

As the logistics industry continues to evolve, the integration of technologies like Pixmo stands as a testament to the power of innovation. By prioritizing safety, efficiency, and adaptability, Saddle Creek is not just reshaping its operations but also paving the way for a sustainable future in logistics—one where technology complements human labor for a more productive and safer work environment.

With continued advancements in AI and robotics, the potential for further transformation in logistics operations is limitless. Saddle Creek’s journey serves as an inspiring example of what’s possible when companies embrace change and seek collaborative solutions to enhance their workforce’s quality of life while meeting operational goals.