Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and subsidiary Mitsubishi Logisnext have installed their first automated picking solution utilising the ΣSynX (Sigma Sync) system in Japan, at the Ebina Logistics Center in Kanagawa Prefecture.

MHI explains it developed the ΣSynX system to link automatic guided forklifts (AGFs), automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) and palletisers "for automation and intelligence” and has been designed primarily for use in beverage warehouses, performing tasks which, until now, have been done by manual labour.

“The system utilises a proprietary optimisation engine and integrated control system to efficiently coordinate multiple AGFs, AGVs, and palletisers in order to reduce the number of picking and transfer operations, optimise the picking process, and improve throughput (processing capacity),” MHI explains.

MHI started working with Ebina Logistics Centre owners Kirin Group Logistics in November 2022 to trial MHI’s automated picking solution in a warehouse. On the back of the trial, Kirin Group began implementing the MHI ΣSynX system a year later.

“MHI Group continues to collaborate with Kirin Group on joint demonstration projects for the automation of inbound and outbound processes at beverage warehouses using a new type of unmanned forklift equipped with ΣSynX and automation solutions for the loading and unloading of trucks,” MHI states.

“Going forward, through these joint demonstrations, MHI and Mitsubishi Logisnext will promote the development and application of optimal solutions for the challenges facing warehouse logistics facilities.”

MHI adds this will help companies to “further accelerate the response to regulatory changes in the logistics industry in 2024 aimed at alleviating the shortage of logistics operators, improving the work environment, and reducing the working time and waiting time for truck drivers”.