Sumitomo Corporation and Dexterity Inc. have announced the creation of Dexterity-SC Japan, a new joint venture that will focus on accelerating the adoption of AI-powered intelligent robotic solutions for warehouse, supply chain, logistics, and other labor-intensive industrial operations.

The newly formed Dexterity-SC Japan builds on the successful distribution agreement between the two companies in 2022. Basically, it will sell, market, localize, and provide financing options for AI-powered robotic solutions. Particularly, these solutions will leverage cutting-edge AI technology and intelligent robotics to solve the most complicated, dynamic material handling challenges in industrial settings.

Support to Labor-Intensive Industries

“The timing has never been more urgent for companies in Japan to adopt technological solutions to address the combined impacts of labor shortages and rising demand for e-commerce,” said Norihiko Nonaka, Automotive Group CEO at Sumitomo Corporation.

“Dexterity-SC Japan will help close that gap by enabling Japanese companies to leverage proven technology already used by leading parcel, 3PL, and manufacturing companies in the U.S.”

Recent labor statistics in Japan estimate that there will be up to a 35% transportation capacity shortage by 2030^[1]. This will significantly impact industries across the Japanese economy.

Dexterity-SC Japan will offer truck loading, truck unloading, palletizing, and depalletizing products. Specifically, these products will help better leverage existing manpower in the logistics industry.

“In partnership with a trusted industry leader like Sumitomo Corporation, we are confident that Japanese companies will be able to quickly realize the benefits of market-proven AI-powered robotic solutions in their logistics operations,” said Dexterity CEO, Samir Menon.

Previously, Sumitomo and Dexterity announced a partnership to deliver 1,500 Dexterity-powered robots by 2026. These include 500 truck-loading robots for Japanese warehouses. Also, Sumitomo invested in Dexterity in 2020 through Presidio Ventures Inc., its U.S.-based corporate venture capital arm.

-23 July 2024-