Automation Puts Tochi Chukwu at the Forefront of Supply Chain Innovation

By Tosin Clegg

In the fast-paced world of logistics, a silent revolution is underway, driven by robotics and artificial intelligence. Leading the charge at retail giant Walmart is Tochi Chukwu, a Senior Automation Integration Manager who is transforming the American supply chain. Her work centres on modernizing the national logistics network, a mission critical to the daily lives of millions of U.S. consumers.

“Automation isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about building resilience,” says Chukwu. “In today’s complex world, a robust, intelligent supply chain is a competitive necessity and a societal safeguard. We’re building a foundation that ensures the flow of essential goods, no matter the challenge.”

Chukwu’s role is a testament to the scale and ambition of this modernization. As a Senior Automation Integration Manager, she spearheads cross-functional initiatives that have delivered tangible results. These programmes have boosted metrics and improved automation availability.

Her leadership extends to managing major financial commitments. She has directed multi-million automation programmes, all of which have been delivered on time. This disciplined approach ensures that the infrastructure supporting the flow of goods across the United States is both resilient and reliable.

“When you are working on programmes of this scale, on-time delivery is paramount,” she explains. “The U.S. supply chain is a massive, interconnected system, and any delay can create ripple effects. Our job is to ensure that doesn’t happen, safeguarding service continuity for consumers”.

A key part of Her work involves pioneering the deployment of next-generation robotics systems. These include Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), and other AI-driven technologies. Their successful integration has resulted in annual cost savings, significantly modernizing operations for national competitiveness.

Before her current role, Chukwu served as an Automation Engineering Manager at Walmart, where she gained hands-on experience in building the future of logistics. She spearheaded the launch of two Automated Pick-Up & Delivery (APD) sites using the Symbotic robotics system. These deployments represented a transformational leap in the company’s national supply chain capacity.

“Bringing a new automated site online is a complex engineering challenge,” says Chukwu. “It requires a cohesive effort from engineering, operations, and real estate teams. The goal is to make sure these systems seamlessly enhance service for American customers from day one.”

She was also responsible for leading the automation acceptance at five high-priority fulfillment centres. This process involved guiding cross-functional teams through rigorous testing and commissioning to ensure that the critical automation systems could operate without disruption, supporting the daily needs of millions.

When faced with mission-critical automation failures, her problem-solving skills came to the fore. Through data-driven root-cause analysis, she implemented rapid improvement initiatives that safeguarded supply continuity across the U.S. retail network.

Her engineering expertise is further demonstrated by her ability to apply mechatronics knowledge, including CAD, controls, and electrical design, to troubleshoot robotics and other automation equipment. This ensures the operational readiness of vital U.S. distribution infrastructure.

Her career in automation began long before Walmart. At Cummins Inc., she championed the automation of validation processes, deploying advanced control systems and test automation tools. This increased testing efficiency and cut manual errors significantly.

Her foundational interest in automation and robotics is evident in her academic background. Working collaboratively on the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge, she designed a rover capable of navigating simulated extraterrestrial terrain. She also contributed to a USDA-funded project by constructing and programming a UAV with environmental sensors.

From building rovers and drones to pioneering AI and robotics in national supply chains, Tochi Chukwu is a leading voice in the field. Her work is not only advancing technology but also fundamentally improving the efficiency and reliability of the logistics that underpin the modern economy.