Starting from April 2024, a penalty-based upper limit regulation of 960 hours per year for overtime work by truck drivers will be enforced. Concerns arise about the potential shortage of transportation capacity as the traditional long working hours are curbed, exacerbating the ongoing issue of labor shortage in the logistics industry. A critical factor is the reduction in waiting time for loading/unloading goods onto trucks and the self-handling of cargo by truck drivers. Therefore, further efficiency in logistics operations becomes imperative.
Mitsubishi Logisnext, established in 2017, amalgamates entities such as Nichiyu, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ forklift division, TCM, and Nissan Forklift. The company aims to address logistics industry challenges through the promotion of automation and autonomy in logistics equipment, including Automated Guided Forklifts (AGF). At the Azuchi plant, assembly of AGF, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV), power units for forklifts, and the mast sections for vertical movement of forks is conducted.
AGF, capable of autonomously handling cargo operations, can operate 24 hours a day, significantly reducing the risk of labor accidents caused by human errors. AGF can undertake simple conveying tasks, while manned forklifts handle more complex operations, allowing for a division of labor.
Previously, AGF lagged behind manned forklifts in terms of space efficiency and operational efficiency within warehouses due to its larger space requirements for maneuvers like turning and its slower travel speed, prioritizing safety. However, Mitsubishi Logisnext’s “Platter Auto H Type,” released in 2021, boasts performance comparable to manned forklifts.
Source: Monoist
https://monoist.itmedia.co.jp/mn/articles/2403/19/news085.html
