Rapyuta Robotics Co., Ltd. and Panasonic Connect Co., Ltd. have announced a business partnership aimed at streamlining warehouse operations and increasing supply chain efficiency.

Mainly, this partnership brings together the following technologies. This aims to reduce truck waiting times and contribute to solving the “2024 Problem” of the Japanese Logistics Industry arising from reforms in Japan’s labor laws specifically affecting the trucking industry. Specifically, these technologies are:

• Panasonic Connect’s AI-based warehouse task optimization technology built on top of its wealth of knowledge in industrial engineering accumulated over its 100-year history;
• Blue Yonder (a Panasonic subsidiary) Warehouse Management Solutions, a Gartner Magic Quadrant leader for 12 Times in a row;
• Rapyuta ASRS, a revolutionary Automated Storage and Retrieval System. It aims to expand the ASRS market to brown-field projects and high-velocity items due to its modular design and high performance.

A live demo of the proof-of-concept system was presented to journalists in Tokyo on March 8, 2024. This demo included automated picking with robot arms and specialized grippers, which are part of Panasonic’s Robot Control Platform.

Akira Sakakibara, CTO of Panasonic Connect, highlighted Rapyuta Robotics’ strong industry presence and advanced technology, saying “I am enthusiastic about merging our technologies and expertise with Rapyuta Robotics to address social issues in the supply chain, showcasing a collaborative spirit aimed at enhancing supply chain solutions.”

Gajan Mohanarajah, CEO of Rapyuta Robotics, added, “Our alignment with Panasonic Connect is naturally complementary. Together, we anticipate significantly impacting the logistics industry by making automation more accessible. We are excited to expand our partnership in the US market, given Panasonic Connect’s substantial US customer base.”

Further, Rapyuta Robotics will continue to innovate with Panasonic Connect to streamline warehouse operations and expand opportunities for its customers.

-19 March 2024-