Japanese Cutting-Edge
Solutions for Metalworking
Japanese Cutting-Edge
Solutions for Metalworking
Exhibition
October 2, 2024
Logis-Tech Tokyo 2024, Asia’s largest logistics exhibition, was held September 10-13 at Tokyo Big Sight in Koto Ward, Tokyo, Japan. With 580 exhibitors and 3,241 booths, it was the largest edition ever. The exhibition featured a wide range of logistics-related products and services, including solutions for in-plant logistics.
Daifuku presents the logistics environment of the near future on a giant monitor. Visitors view it with 3D glasses.
Logis-Tech Tokyo is held every two years in Japan. The logistics sector in Japan is currently facing a chronic labor shortage; in contrast to the rise of e-commerce, as well as new regulations limiting overtime for truck drivers, the so-called “2024 Problem,” which came into effect in April. This has accelerated the need for efficiency and automation. The event was held on a large scale, covering Halls 1-8 of Tokyo Big Sight.
Daifuku, a leading Japanese material handling company, showcased a 3D video on large monitors depicting a fully automated logistics environment of the future. The presentation featured automated warehouses, industrial robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) working seamlessly based on data coordination. President and CEO Hiroshi Geshiro emphasized the importance of digital technology in addition to hardware for complete automation and pledged to focus more on digital solutions.
THK’s “container-type automated storage unit”.
In addition to logistics solutions, the exhibition also featured proposals for inter-process transportation within manufacturing industries. Leveraging its expertise in linear motion systems, THK exhibited a “container-type automated storage unit”. The system includes racks arranged on either side with a three-axis linear motion device in the center. A multi-level slide system extends horizontally to move plastic containers (reusable boxes) in and out of the racks. Customization of both the racks and the linear actuators is simple. A company representative mentioned that by replacing the containers with pallets, the system could be adapted for loading and unloading workpieces into machining centers.
Mujin (Koto Ward, Tokyo; CEO Issei Takino) exhibited an automated system capable of handling mixed-loads of reusable crates. Vision cameras detect the size of the crates and automatically adjust the gripping position. While conventional systems could handle about 50 types of crates, this improved version can handle crates of different shapes as long as they are within a certain size range.
Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho’s “V2000” AGV is strong even on slopes.
In manufacturing, it’s common for processes to span multiple factory buildings. Several companies presented solutions for outdoor logistics automation. YAMAZEN, a machinery trading company, presented its self-driving mobile robot (AMR) that can traverse floors with slopes or bumps, based on a unit developed by Suzuki.
Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho (TKS) exhibited its “V2000” AGV, which is designed to operate in harsh conditions such as rough terrain and rain. Capable of carrying up to 2 tons, it can handle heavy loads. Matsuzaka Hiroshi, director of the Factory Automation (FA) Division, explained that the AGV was developed in response to feedback from the previous exhibition, where attendees requested solutions for transporting items such as multiple drums, steel materials, and scrap iron.
By: Masanobu Nishizuka
Staff Editor, SEISANZAI Japan
November 15, 2023
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