About Us
How we are combating labor shortages at logistics sites with automation technologies
While the demand for logistics is increasing along with the ongoing expansion of e-commerce and other factors, chronic labor shortages at workplaces and high workloads on employees have become serious challenges to society. The environment surrounding logistics is changing dramatically in light of the demand for high-quality logistics; small-lot, increasingly segmented, and faster delivery; and the increase in the flow of goods. Logistics sites are now required to improve work efficiency as well as the work environment while addressing the labor shortage.
Indoor logistics in factories and warehouses is gradually becoming automated, but in freezer warehouses or outdoors, the loading and unloading of trucks are still mainly done by hand.
As a pioneer in the development of the world’s first Automated Guided Forklift (AGF) in 1971, we have responded to the need for unmanned systems in factories and warehouses with the latest technology. In the future, we intend to further promote the automation of logistics in order to ensure that machines operate in greater harmony with humans across a wider range of application.
Initiatives
AGFs are making automated truck loading and unloading systems a reality.
In collaboration with Konoike Transport Co., Ltd., a company that provides logistics services among other things, we completed a demonstration test for an automated truck loading and unloading system that uses AGFs. In March 2024, we were then able to start putting the system in actual operation. By enhancing the ability to transport goods like this, we can reduce truck turnaround time and make a contribution to addressing the problems caused by the upper limit on overtime work for truck drivers that came into effect in April 2024.
We resolved numerous technical hurdles to develop and implement this system.
My area of responsibility for this project was overall development and as such I was involved from the concept design stage to the start of operations.
Unlike with shelves and other storage options at indoor facilities, the truck bed that forms the basis of loading and unloading work might be in different positions depending on factors such as the model of truck, where it stops, and the weight of its cargo. As a result, automation would require multiple sensors and accurate vehicle controls. Also, to keep truck turnaround times to a minimum, the system would need to be able to load or unload as quickly as human workers.
Despite the tight development schedule, we tackled the countless technical issues head-on, and as a team we addressed each one by one, and finally achieved practical implementation.
When I saw the trucks lined up at the loading bay of our customer’s site, I felt a strong desire to do what I could to quickly develop a product and reduce the amount of time spent waiting to turn around each truck. Even our press releases generated a lot of interest, and I was able to gauge the real need for such a product in the market. The trucks that transport goods are a vital part of the infrastructure that supports our daily lives, and so I hope to continue making functional improvements so that this system can help raise efficiency in truck logistics.
Engineering Headquarters Material Handling Solution Engineering Division Material Handling System Development Department Assistant Manager
Tetsuro Yoshida(Position as of May 2024)
*These comments represent opinions, job roles, and departmental affiliations that were correct at the time.
Our AGF accommodates freezer warehouses in temperatures as low as –25℃, a first in Japan
Working in collaboration with Nichirei Logistics Group Inc., which is engaged in innovative operations for freezer warehouses, we have developed a laser-guided AGF for use in freezer warehouses. This unit has been on the market since June 2022.
With this innovation, we are providing a solution that reduces the burden on workers in low-temperature environments and minimizes anxiety about business operations due to chronic labor shortages, both of which have been presenting long-term challenges.
Repeated on-site trials have led to unmanned forklifts that can operate in harsh environments.
I took part in this project as a developer. For freezer warehouse, the physical burden on forklift operators is significant, and it is difficult for them to work for long periods of time. Labor shortages are another major issue. This project got its start based on requests from customers, and the goal was to develop laser-guided unmanned forklifts that could handle moving in and out of freezer warehouses and the temperature changes that entails.
There were several technical issues standing in the way of creating this product. I visited customers’ freezer warehouses countless times to experience the warehouse and anteroom environments for myself. I really wanted to meet the expectations of our customers who were eagerly awaiting a product, so I and the other project team members were determined to overcome any obstacles! So, we repeated trial after error again and again until we were able to come to a finished product.
At exhibitions, our publicity efforts and press releases successfully led to an increase in the number of queries from customers about freezer warehouse models, and we were very pleased with how big a response we got.
This experience also gave me a renewed understanding of how many different people cooperate and work together at worksites. Going forward, I hope to be involved in developing products that incorporate universal design perspectives.
Engineering Headquarters Material Handling Solution Engineering Division Material Handling System Production Design Department Manager
Masafumi Monchi(Position as of April 2024)
*These comments represent opinions, job roles, and departmental affiliations that were correct at the time.
We collaborate with MHI on trials toward automating logistics.
While automation is making progress for indoor logistics in places such as factories and warehouses, it is still humans at the core for outdoor tasks such as loading and unloading trucks.
At the Logistics Test Center that we operate with MHI, we apply the latest technologies to our AGFs and other automated devices, and carry out experiments and trials to help automate loading and unloading tasks.
Automated guided vehicle demo center opens in Finland
Mitsubishi Logisnext Europe Oy (MLFI), our production base in Finland, has opened a new demo center for automated guided vehicles (AGVs). This center has constructed a mock warehouse environment in which AGVs and forklifts operate together to demonstrate how packages can be automatically brought in, stored on shelves, and retrieved and shipped.
We are now promoting the development of a mixed fleet solution, which enables manned forklifts and AGFs to work in partnership.
- * Mitsubishi Logisnext Europe Oy
