#Japan #Automation #Kawasaki #DHC

DHC's Kawasaki Logistics Center Launches Automation System

DHC Corporation, headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has officially commenced the operation of its new automation system at the Kawasaki Logistics Center on August 5, 2026. This initiative aims to enhance both the quality and productivity of logistics operations, as well as provide a better working environment for employees.

The newly introduced automation system is comprised of various advanced technologies. It features a 3D automated sorting system that quickly sorts products based on orders simply by scanning the barcode. Additionally, it employs 270 automated transport robots that move products to picking stations, an automated packing machine that streamlines the boxing process, and a automated delivery sorting system that organizes products by date and destination. This interconnected system is managed through a warehouse execution system, which optimizes the efficiency of the entire automated infrastructure.

By implementing these technologies, DHC aims to ensure timely and precise deliveries of cosmetics, health foods, apparel, and more that customers order through their mail-order service. Furthermore, the company targets a 30% increase in shipping processing capacity, all while reducing the number of workers by more than half compared to traditional methods. These radical improvements contribute significantly to the overall productivity within the logistics sector.

Key Features of the Automation System

3D Automated Sorting System

This innovative system automatically sorts products at high speeds. By simply scanning the barcode, it not only sorts but also conducts inspections simultaneously, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.

• - Benefits:

- Increased sorting productivity due to high processing capabilities.
- Compact design, making installation easier and allowing for easier expansion.
- Quiet operation, which contributes to a lower stress environment for workers.

• - Productivity: 1,000 items per hour, approximately 2.5 times more effective than previous systems.

Automated Transport Robots

These robots automatically transport containers to each picking station, aiding the picking process. They use barcode scanning to perform picking and inspection concurrently.

• - Benefits:

- Eliminates unnecessary walking for workers, reducing their workload and increasing productivity.
- Flexible route selection allows robots to navigate efficiently to available workers.

• - Productivity: 360 items per person per hour, about 3 times more effective than older methods.

Automated Packing Machine

This system recognizes box sizes automatically and handles everything from sealing to affixing shipping labels. It drastically streamlines the packing process by allowing workers to simply load pre-assembled boxes with products and cushioning material.

• - Benefits:

- Automating simple tasks to ease the burden on workers while boosting productivity.
- Customizable to key packing sizes to streamline operations more effectively.

• - Productivity: 1,200 boxes per hour per unit, marking a productivity increase of about 2 times.

Automated Delivery Sorting System

Utilized during shipping, this system sorts packages by date, destination, and shipping company.

• - Benefits:

- High processing speed enhances productivity significantly.
- Space-efficient design helps optimize the logistics floor space without compromising functionality.

• - Productivity: 4,000 boxes per hour, an increase of approximately 2.4 times.

Comments from Leadership

According to Shunichi Hasegawa, Head of the DHC Logistics Unit, this newly operational logistic center embodies the commitment to improve quality, productivity, and agility within the supply chain. By integrating mechanized and automated environments with creative operation strategies, DHC aims to fulfill customer requests for timely product delivery.

Furthermore, Hasegawa emphasized that the introduction of these advancements moves them closer to achieving their purpose of consistent product quality and reliability, fostering trust between DHC and its customers. By maximizing human and robotic capabilities, DHC aspires to contribute to its core philosophy: