#Japan #AMR Technology #Nichirei Group #PMT Corporation #Suye

Introduction

PMT Corporation, based in Suye, Fukuoka, has initiated a collaboration with Nichirei Group, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, to conduct a pilot project assessing autonomous mobile robots (AMR) designed for frozen environments. This innovative venture aims to address the pressing challenges in frozen warehousing, particularly related to labor shortages and increasing operational efficiency.

Background

Working in frozen warehouses at around -20°C poses significant physical challenges for workers. With the ongoing expansion of the frozen food market and obligations to comply with revised logistics efficiency laws, optimizing frozen warehouse operations has become critical for the entire industry. The development of AMRs compatible with cold environments is envisioned to help alleviate these challenges, making operations safer and less reliant on human labor.

Pilot Overview

The pilot project will take place at Nichirei Group's R&D center, focusing on the reliability and operational feasibility of AMRs in a -20°C environment. The following tests will be conducted during this project:

1. Validation of Frozen AMR

• - Evaluate the operational workflow using prototypes.
• - Test control capabilities with both single and multiple units working in coordination.
• - Assess durability and stable operations in frozen conditions.

2. Application Testing in Real Environments

• - Implement operations such as lateral transfer and temporary storage within the warehouse.
• - Automate the transportation processes post unloading from trucks.

3. System Integration and Operational Optimization

• - Digitalize and visualize transport processes.
• - Test efficient task allocations using multiple robots.

Technical Features

This AMR has been primarily designed for practical use in low-temperature logistics, featuring:

• - A robust design suitable for stable operation at -20°C or below by optimizing the sensors, batteries, and drive units.
• - Multi-temperature functionality, allowing seamless operation across frozen, refrigerated, and room-temperature; this ensures maximum versatility in rare use cases.

High Precision Autonomous Navigation

Utilizing SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology, the AMR adapts to dynamic environments, efficiently optimizing routes for in-warehouse transportation.

Scalability for Existing Warehouses

The AMR can be integrated without the need for extensive facility renovations. It allows for operational modifications through software, accommodating diverse pallet structures.

Advantages of AMRs

By automating transport processes that have traditionally relied on manual labor and forklifts, significant reductions in physical workload for workers can be achieved along with enhanced safety. The anticipated benefits also include:

• - Reduced Operational Load: Lower strain on workers within cold storage areas.
• - Increased Transport Efficiency: Shortened lead times due to streamlined processes.
• - Addressing Labor Shortages: By advancing automation, the reliance on human workers is effectively minimized.
• - Load Distribution During Peak Times: Continuous operation helps distribute workloads, enhancing overall processing capability.
• - Infrastructure for Overall Optimization: Establishing a foundation for holistic logistics optimization.

Future Prospects

Through this pilot initiative, PMT aims to validate the functionality of AMRs within the realm of frozen logistics. With successful trials at Nichirei Group's R&D center, the focus will shift towards mass production and gradual deployment across multiple sites. Ultimately, PMT envisions the development of an integrated logistics system centered around the efficiency of AMRs, optimizing the entire cold chain logistics framework.

Download Press Release

For more detailed information, download the full news release here.