MHI: Joint Demonstration of Automated Picking Solution Launched in Collaboration with Kirin Group JCN Newswire

MHI: Joint Demonstration of Automated Picking Solution Launched in Collaboration with Kirin Group

November 21, 2022
TOKYO, Nov 21, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and Mitsubishi Logisnext Co., Ltd., a global player within MHI Group, engaged in logistic machinery and solution business, will launch joint demonstration of an automated picking solution for beverage warehouses in collaboration with Kirin Beverage Co., Ltd. and Kirin Group Logistics Co., Ltd. from the end of this month.The demonstration includes establishment and verification of MHI's automated picking system's operating processes at "LogiQ X Lab". The demonstration facility is located within Yokohama Hardtech Hub (YHH), a co-creation space operated by MHI in Yokohama. The ultimate aim is to install automated picking solutions(Note1) developed by MHI Group in beverage warehouses, which typically rely heavily on manual labor, placing a burden on logistics operators. The joint demonstration will continue through the end of June 2023.Until now, warehouse workers have borne the bulk of responsibility for pursuing increased efficiency in their picking operations. Going forward, with MHI Group's automated picking solutions, automation and intelligence can be introduced into the picking process through application of the "∑SynX" (Sigma Synx) solution concept(2) currently under development by MHI. Optimized engines and an integrated control system, all developed in-house, together enable efficient coordination of multiple automated guided forklifts (AGFs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and palletizers(3). This results in fewer picking and transfer operations, optimized picking processing, and higher throughput.Within Kirin Group, automation is steadily being introduced on production floors, but logistics in the company's warehouses continue to rely heavily on work performed by manual labor and use of manned forklift trucks. The need to improve the work environment, especially through measures for picking heavy loads, and shortages of logistics operators, pose significant challenges. In the demonstration now underway, AGFs, AGVs and palletizers are being coordinated under Kirin Beverage's warehouse operation conditions, and optimized control under ∑SynX is being verified in a quest to solve the challenges inherent in warehouse distribution with optimal safety.Going forward, through the coordination with Kirin Group in this demonstration program, MHI Group will continue to work to solve the diverse distribution challenges faced by the beverage industry.(1) For details, refer to: www.mhi.com/news/22083102.html(2) ∑SynX is MHI's standard platform for synchronizing and coordinating various types of machinery systems. It consolidates a host of digital technologies that enable optimized operation by making machinery systems intelligent.(3) A palletizer is a device that performs automated placement and stacking of products, such as beverage cases, on pallets.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
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MHI and Mitsubishi Logisnext to Commence Provision of Automated Picking Solutions for Warehouses Based on “∑SynX” JCN Newswire

MHI and Mitsubishi Logisnext to Commence Provision of Automated Picking Solutions for Warehouses Based on “∑SynX”

September 1, 2022
TOKYO, Sep 1, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and Mitsubishi Logisnext Co., Ltd., part of MHI Group, have completed development of an automated picking system. This system integrates automated guided forklifts (AGFs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and palletizers(1). "LogiQ X Labo", a demonstration facility for this new logistics solution, has also opened at Yokohama Hardtech Hub (YHH), a co-creation space operated by MHI in Yokohama. Tours of the demonstration facility will be open to customers from October, to support their consideration of adopting automation and reducing manual labor within their warehouses."LogiQ X Labo", a demonstration facility at YHHUntil now, picking operations in warehouses have depended on workers pursuing efficiency through intense concentration. The newly developed picking system introduces automation and intelligence into the picking process through application of MHI's "∑SynX" (Sigma Synx) solution(2) concept currently under development. Customized application developed in-house together with an integrated control system enable efficient coordination of multiple AGFs, AGVs and palletizers. This results in fewer picking and transfer operations, optimized picking processing, and higher throughput.By automating and introducing intelligence into picking operations conventionally performed by numerous workers, the new solution helps to alleviate current shortages of logistics operators, frees workers from the arduous labor of picking heavy items, and contributes to reducing human error.Because the new solution does not require any large-scale floor construction or modifications, it can be adopted for today's increasingly prevalent multi-tenant warehouses, and can also respond to sudden changes in customer requirements.Mitsubishi Logisnext is scheduled to demonstrate how the system feeds stock pallets and delivers palletized pallets using an automated picking system comprising an AGF and AGV at Logis-Tech Tokyo 2022(3), to be held at Tokyo Big Sight commencing September 13.In the future, MHI and Mitsubishi Logisnext will continue applying the full complement of MHI Group's capabilities to the development of advanced products, including automated warehousing and shipment systems enabled by ∑SynX, providing optimal solutions to the diverse challenges facing the distribution industry.(1) A palletizer is a device that performs automated placement and stacking of products on pallets.(2) ∑SynX is MHI's standard platform for synchronizing and coordinating various machinery systems. It is a consolidation of digital technologies that enable optimized operation by making machinery systems intelligent.(3) For details, visit: https://www.logis-tech-tokyo.com/ltt/index.htmlMajor Characteristics- Automated picking system centered on AGFsIn this fully automated work system, the AGF supplies items removed from storage shelves to the AGV and palletizer. After picking, finished items are retrieved by AGV and AGF and transferred to storage shelves.- Proposal of optimum equipment configuration through logistics simulation prior to system adoptionDistribution flow is simulated prior to system installation based on the customer's historical picking data. A proposal is made of the optimal equipment configuration and layout to satisfy the customer's needs.- Optimal equipment coordination through adoption of MHI's integrated control systemAGFs, AGVs and palletizers are coordinated efficiently through use of MHI's integrated control system. The adoption of optimized logic responds to needs using the minimal number of palletizing operations.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
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