Research and development of delivery system using Autonomous Mobile Robot
Through solving the last mile problems faced by logistics transportation, we aim to upgrade our infrastructure.
Background of development
With the rapid expansion of the e-commerce market, logistics and transportation are an indispensable part of social infrastructure in our daily lives.
However, in recent years, various issues surrounding the logistics industry have become a social phenomenon, such as a shortage of drivers, an increase in small-lot deliveries, delivery delays caused by these issues, and rising transportation costs. In particular, problems in the "last one mile" (the final process where products ordered on e-commerce sites are delivered from distribution centers to consumers), where high quality service is required, are becoming more serious.
- Major Last Mile Related Issues
- Low delivery efficiency
- Diversification of receipt needs due to lifestyle changes
- Frequent redelivery
- Impact of on-street parking on the traffic environment, increased environmental impact
- Delivery driver shortage
ShinMaywa's solution
In recent years, lockers have been installed at train stations, convenience stores, and other locations where packages can be picked up, but consumers (consignees) still need to visit these locations to pick up packages in person.
We aim to create new value that contributes to the advancement of infrastructure transportation by leveraging the technology and development expertise we have cultivated in our existing businesses while also proactively harnessing outside capabilities. The Technology Development Department has begun developing a new delivery system that automatically performs a series of operations, such as package pickup by an autonomous mobile robot (AMR), individual delivery from collection points, and recharging of the AMR.
In addition to solving various last-one-mile problems in the home delivery business, the system is expected to be used in logistics inside facilities such as shopping malls, airports, and housing complexes.
In FY2024, the company plans to conduct autonomous driving and inter-building transport experiments on the company's Head Office site, followed by trials of in-house delivery and other applications.
Delivery system image video (only in Japanese)
Head Office The Technology Development Department, a division of Minebea Co., Ltd. has two missions: to create new businesses and to strengthen and expand our core businesses.
The Technology Development Department conducts research and development of technologies that are new to the company, develops new products and services that utilize these technologies, and works to add value to existing products in cooperation with each business unit. As R&D professionals, we aim to contribute to society by strengthening product competitiveness and creating new value through our advanced technological capabilities and innovativeness.
Comments of Development Site
Mr.Kunitake, Research and Development Department
The challenge of how to create new value by fusing our manufacturing and control technologies for mechanical structures, such as mechanical car parking systems, with AMR, a new area of technology, is a tough one, but I also find it very rewarding.
We have been developing and manufacturing arc welding robots and clean robots since the 1970s, and we also have a variety of technologies in robotics and automation, such as the development of the aircraft passenger boarding bridge automatic attachment system. On the other hand, in the field of autonomous driving (automatic driving), which is a new area for MHI, there is an urgent need for further research and development of technologies to recognize the surroundings and to make intelligent decisions, which play an important role in this field.
We will make every effort toward practical application so that the new elemental technologies to be established through this development will contribute to the realization of a safe and comfortable society in the future by adding value to our products and services and, ultimately, by upgrading the transportation infrastructure that will eliminate labor shortages.
Looking for business partners
We would like to start with the practical application of this system within specific areas (on campus and in factories), and eventually develop it into a technology that supports problem solving and smooth logistics for the entire logistics industry, together with external partners who have AMR-related technologies and know-how, mainly for driving on public roads. We welcome inquiries and consultations regarding joint development, so please feel free to contact us by e-mail at the department in charge below.
- ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd. AMR Delivery System", Research and Development Department:
- info.delivery.sys@shinmaywa.co.jp