Rapyuta Robotics Launches Automated Forklifts at Sobu Logistics

The use of robotics in logistics is becoming increasingly critical, and Rapyuta Robotics, based in Koto, Tokyo, has made a significant advancement in this field. The company has delivered eight units of its automated forklift, known as Rapyuta AFL, to Sobu Logistics' Nakane warehouse located in Noda, Chiba. This initiative marks a new chapter in the quest for efficiency in warehouse operations.

Background for Rapyuta AFL Implementation

Logistics serve as a backbone of societal infrastructure, and maintaining uninterrupted operations is essential. With the workforce shrinking, Sobu Logistics recognized the urgent need to automate its processes early on. The deployment of Rapyuta AFL is a strategic response to tackle these challenges, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency, standardizing procedures, and ensuring consistent quality across their operations.

Key Features of Rapyuta AFL at Sobu Logistics

1. Simultaneous Loading Operations: Rapyuta AFL operates with eight units divided evenly across two floors—four on each floor. By enabling prioritized task management and effective division of labor within the warehouse, these forklifts achieve high-density operation.

2. Support for Storage and Retrieval: The forklifts automatically manage the storing of pallets from palletizers to flat storage areas, as well as retrieval from storage to vertical conveyors or staging areas.

3. Versatile Loading Operations: Rapyuta AFL is not limited to traditional loading tasks; it also facilitates the transport of pallets from storage to pallet magazine racks and vice versa, thereby expanding operational capabilities.

4. Quality Standardization and Load Management: By automating the transport processes, Rapyuta AFL reduces variability in operations. This leads to more consistent outcomes, enhances quality, and decreases the workload on human employees.

Moving forward, Rapyuta Robotics and Sobu Logistics are committed to leveraging the Rapyuta AFL forklifts to address various challenges in the logistics sector as they arise.

Insights from Sobu Logistics

Tatsuo Sudo, Executive Officer in charge of operations and planning at Sobu Logistics, remarked, "The introduction of Rapyuta AFL is a vital solution to the growing issue of labor shortages. In our warehouse, forklift operators often juggle multiple tasks while making situational judgments. If only part of the process were automated, it would merely lighten workloads. The Rapyuta AFL's flexibility in choosing and executing tasks accordingly allows for overall process completion, playing a significant role in reducing manual labor while seamlessly integrating into our existing structure without extensive modifications. This has made implementation much easier. We are looking forward to further efficiency improvements and designing future warehouse operations based on our experiences with Rapyuta AFL."

About Sobu Logistics

- Location: Noda, Chiba, Japan 236 Noda
- CEO: Yasuhiko Hoshino
- Business Type: Transportation and warehouse services
- Website: Sobu Logistics

About Rapyuta Robotics

Rapyuta Robotics is a venture formed from ETH Zurich, known for its esteemed alumni, including Albert Einstein. The company focuses on making robotics accessible and useful to everyone with its cutting-edge cloud robotics platform and support for the development, implementation, and operation of robotic solutions. With a team of highly skilled engineers from over 30 countries complemented by bilingual, robotics-savvy sales and customer success teams, Rapyuta Robotics is well-positioned to provide optimal solutions for various logistics challenges.