Tokyo, December 12, 2024 – (JCN Newswire) – – Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Co., Ltd (TYO:) (MHI) and Mitsubishi Logisnext Co., Ltd., part of the MHI Group, announce their automated picking solution that uses the “Sigma Synx” solution concept (1) to enable automation and intelligence. Picking at beverage warehouses at the Ebina Logistics Center in Ebina, Kanagawa Prefecture, operated by Kirin Logistics Group (East Japan Regional Office, Shonan Branch) Office). The system, ordered by Kirin Beverage Co., Ltd. and Kirin Group Logistics Co., Ltd., is the first of its kind to be used in Japan.(2) The freight volume will be increased in phases from January 2025.
The automated picking solution with Sigma Synx, developed by MHI Group, brings automation and intelligence to picking work that has until now been performed manually by workers, who were also responsible for looking at how to improve efficiency in their picking operations. The system uses a proprietary optimization engine and integrated control system to efficiently coordinate automated guided forklifts (AGFs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and pallets (3) in order to reduce the number of picking and moving operations, optimize the picking process, and improve productivity (handling capacity).
Companies face challenges to improve the working environment for logistics operations in beverage warehouses and other facilities, such as measures to address the shortage of logistics operators, and the selection of heavy loads. With the aim of providing solutions to these problems, in November 2022, MHI Group and Kirin Group initiated a joint demonstration project to introduce MHI Group's automated picking solution in a beverage warehouse.(4) The project verified the effectiveness of the system for logistics centers, which led to the decision to implement the automated picking solution in a beverage warehouse.(4) Ebina Logistics in November 2023, eventually leading to the start of operation.
MHI Group continues to cooperate with Kirin Group on joint demonstration projects to automate inbound and outbound processes in beverage warehouses using a new type of unmanned forklifts equipped with Sigma Synx,(5) and automation solutions for loading and unloading trucks.(6) Moving forward, by These joint demonstrations, MHI and Mitsubishi Logisnext will promote the development and application of optimal solutions to the challenges facing logistics warehouse facilities, and further accelerate response Regulatory changes in the logistics industry in 2024 aims to alleviate the shortage of logistics operators, improve the working environment, and reduce working time and waiting time for truck drivers.
(1) Sigma Synx is the standard MHI platform for synchronizing and coordinating different types of machinery systems. It combines a range of digital technologies to make machinery systems intelligent and allow optimal operation.
(2) Source: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
(3) A palletizer is a device that automatically places and stacks products, such as beverage cans, on pallets.
(4) For more information about the start of the joint demonstration of the automated picking solution with Kirin Group, see the following press release. www.mhi.com/news/22112101.html
(5) A next-generation unmanned forklift was demonstrated at Logis-Tech Tokyo 2024. For more information, see the following press release. www.mhi.com/news/240903.html
(6) For more information about joint demonstration projects between MHI and Kirin Group to automate inbound and outbound warehouse processes, see the following press release. www.mhi.com/news/24082201.html
About MHI Group
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is one of the world's leading industrial groups, covering the fields of energy, intelligent infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defence. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology and deep expertise to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help achieve a carbon neutral world, improve quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our thoughts and stories at spectra.mhi.com.
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