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At PACK EXPO East, Tutor Intelligence, an AI robotics company founded by MIT engineers and research scientists, will present a first public look at the results of their research into a next-generation robotic case packing system. CEO and Co-Founder Josh Gruenstein will speak on the PACK EXPO Innovation Stage 1 (Booth 759) on Wednesday, February 18 from 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM.
The session, titled “How AI Slashes Case-Packing Cost,” will introduce Sonny v1, Tutor Intelligence’s next-generation humanoid case packing robot. Designed specifically for the packaging industry, Sonny v1 represents Tutor’s latest advances in AI-powered robotic manipulation for high-SKU production environments.
Case packing remains one of the most labor-intensive and operationally complex operations on the packaging line. High SKU variability, frequent changeovers, and dexterity requirements have historically made traditional automation expensive, rigid, and heavily dependent on systems integrators. Each new product configuration often requires custom programming, tooling adjustments, and engineering support. All this customization drives costs and limits accessibility.
Tutor’s research focuses on a fundamentally different model.
By leveraging AI-powered perception and reasoning, Sonny v1 is designed to interpret and manipulate never-before-seen SKUs without requiring months of custom programming. Rather than relying on pre-scripted motion paths and rigid configuration, AI-driven manipulation allows the system to adapt dynamically to product variation.
According to Gruenstein, this shift has profound cost implications.
“Traditional automation becomes expensive because every new SKU or changeover requires engineering time, custom integration, and reprogramming,” said Gruenstein. “AI changes that equation. When a robot can reason about new products and adapt in real time, you reduce dependency on custom integration, lower engineering overhead, and dramatically shorten deployment cycles. That’s how automation becomes accessible at scale.”
Tutor Intelligence previously demonstrated the viability of its AI-first approach through nationwide deployments of palletizing and depalletizing systems at facilities that had historically been priced out of automation. With Sonny v1, the company is extending its research into dexterous case packing across infinite SKU mixes.
Gruenstein believes this evolution signals a broader shift in manufacturing operations.
“In the future, manufacturers won’t be managing isolated automation cells built by multiple integrators,” he said. “They’ll be working alongside adaptable robotic labor forces that improve over time. Companies that begin building experience with AI-driven systems early will be best positioned to operate that future workforce.”
The PACK EXPO East session marks the first public unveiling of this research platform. Sonny v1 will be shown via video as part of the Innovation Stage presentation.
Importantly, the presentation is a research-focused preview rather than a commercial product launch.
For operators and packaging leaders, the session offers more than a look at emerging technology. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with Tutor’s leadership, share real-world case packing challenges, and influence the direction of future development.
“This isn’t about selling a system today,” said Gruenstein. “It’s about inviting the packaging community into the process. The operators who engage early will help shape how this technology matures — and they’ll be first in line as it transitions from research into products.”
Attendees interested in learning more about Tutor’s current robotic deployments or contributing insights to future case packing automation are encouraged to attend the session and visit Tutor Intelligence at Booth 1233 during PACK EXPO East.
