Destro raises $8M seed to link robots and humans in logistics

The system was initially piloted at a Yusen Logistics facility in the Pacific Northwest, where three cart-moving robots (built by Miva Robotics) assisted human workers. Richard Brunelle, director of automation for Yusen’s American logistics group, credits Destro’s ability to orchestrate the entire process—from unloading to cart movement—without requiring manual oversight. Yusen tested two other robotics startups but found their solutions either lacked flexibility or required excessive human intervention. Destro’s deployment is now expanding to 26 robots at the same facility and launching a second pilot with 17 robots in Southern California. The startup plans to replicate this workflow across thousands of warehouses handling similar labor-intensive tasks.

Destro’s strategy hinges on positioning itself as a ‘harness’ for existing robotics and AI models, rather than competing with companies developing general-purpose humanoid robots or ultra-dexterous hands. Pawar believes its focus on solving specific operational problems—like reducing labor intensity and eliminating paper-based coordination—will drive adoption. The seed round was led by Base10 Partners and Bonfire Ventures, with additional investment from CoFound Partners. Destro will showcase its technology at TechCrunch Disrupt in October.