Daifuku unveiled two newly developed machines at the International Logistics Exhibition and outlined its automation strategy toward fully unmanned operations. The company presented its vision for the logistics center of the future through live demonstrations and large-screen displays.
Daifuku unveiled two newly developed automated machines at the International Logistics Exhibition, which opened at Tokyo Big Sight. The exhibition theme was “Robotics in Motion.” At a press conference, President Terai Tomoaki (寺井 友章) and Senior Managing Executive Officer Toritani Norihito (鳥谷 則仁) explained the company’s future development strategy and how the new products are used.
One of the new products, Shuttle Rack LX, was introduced as a multifunctional pallet storage system offering high-density storage and considerable flexibility. Its distinguishing feature is the placement of a transfer vehicle on each level, enabling movement between levels. The company said it would promote proposals for storage configurations optimized to customers’ needs.
The other product, Fine Shuttle, is a hanger-type automated case warehouse designed for small-lot, high-frequency shipments. The company explained that placing conveyors on the lower rack levels enables flexible layouts when combined with case AMRs.
President Terai Tomoaki (寺井 友章) said the company aims to expand the scope of automation by using AI technology, image recognition and algorithms, with a goal of starting demonstration testing in 2030. He also indicated that the company is considering humanoid development to address challenges including the handling of thin items and the coexistence of people and robots.