#Japan #Tokyo #Automation #Kardex #StarterGrid

Kardex StarterGrid: A New Era of Automation in Japan

Kardex, a leading company in intra-logistics solutions based in Switzerland, made a remarkable debut in the Japanese market during the Factory Innovation Week 2026. Held from January 21 to 23, this exhibition gathered a large number of visitors at the Kardex booth, highlighting the growing interest in automation and efficiency in factories and logistics operations in Japan.

A Different Approach to Exhibitions

Unlike many exhibitors who showcase their products, Kardex opted for an innovative approach, focusing on demonstrating operational concepts through video presentations rather than physical displays. This method proved effective, drawing attention not only to the product demonstrations but also to the informative seminars held during the event.

One of the standout speakers at the seminar was Fumiyasu Aoki, the Business Manager for AutoStore at Kardex Japan. His insights emphasized the unique automation challenges faced by the Japanese market. The feedback from attendees revealed a strong demand for solutions that allow for a gradual introduction of automation, such as starting with low initial investments and scalable systems.

The StarterGrid Solution

Among the various solutions presented, the Kardex StarterGrid generated substantial interest. This product is distinguished by its design flexibility and scalability, making it ideally suited to the needs of various businesses. Some of its noteworthy features include:

• - Small Startup Philosophy: StarterGrid is designed for businesses looking to begin their automation journey without committing to significant upfront investments.
• - Space Efficiency: The solution is adaptable, capable of functioning efficiently even in limited spaces typical of many Japanese warehouses.
• - Future-Proof Design: With a thoughtful configuration allowing for future expansions, companies can easily scale their operations as their needs grow.

Through the use of demo videos, attendees could visualize how StarterGrid would fit into their operations and plan for future growth. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing that it provided practical options for gradual automation.

Looking Ahead for Kardex in Japan

As Kardex continues to explore the Japanese market, the insights gathered during the Factory Innovation Week will inform their strategies. The company is dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by factories and logistics centers by introducing solutions that support manageable automation processes. Fumiyasu Aoki expressed optimism regarding the response from both large enterprises and small to medium-sized businesses during the event. He stated:

“Having witnessed manufacturing and logistics operations both domestically and internationally, I've realized the pivotal role of the picking process. It's not just vital for quality and business continuity; it’s also a significant source of profit. The high expectations from a diverse range of businesses during our debut exhibition in Japan is encouraging. We aim to provide the best proposals to enhance productivity and strengthen competitiveness.”

About Kardex

Kardex is recognized as a leader in providing innovative intra-logistics solutions. Their automation products ensure high availability and low total cost of ownership while supporting smart automation through Automatic Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS). As a global partner of AutoStore, Kardex delivers flexible storage and order fulfillment solutions, employing approximately 2,700 professionals across more than 30 countries.

For more information, visit Kardex Japan or contact:
Kardex Japan, 7-7-7 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 8th Floor Tri-seven Roppongi, PR Contact: Ryuto Shinohara, Email: [email protected].