-- Introducing next-generation mobility systems into warehouse operations to help realize a sustainable society in which a diverse range of workers can play active roles --
Nippon Express Co., Ltd. (President: Shinjiro Takezoe; hereinafter, "Nippon Express"), a group company of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC. (President: Satoshi Horikiri), has launched an "NX Universal Harmonious Work Warehouse" project and, as a first step, has introduced "next-generation mobility systems" at the Saitama Branch's Kazo Warehouse.
■ Background
Japan's logistics industry is anticipating a future labor shortage of truck drivers and warehouse staff due to stricter overtime regulations for truck drivers that took effect in April 2024, compounding the pressures already being exerted by a population decline stemming from a falling birthrate and an aging population. Given these circumstances, improving productivity through the introduction of advanced technologies and securing human resources have become major issues.
In response to the changing times and environment surrounding the logistics industry, the NX Group is working to improve workplace environments by promoting the introduction of advanced logistics robots and work-assistance equipment that reduce employees' workloads. The Group hopes through such efforts to ensure greater productivity from all workers and to expand into heretofore untapped labor markets, thereby securing an adequate workforce and helping bring about a sustainable society.
■ Project overview
Nippon Express has launched the "NX Universal Harmonious Work Warehouse" project with the aim of removing barriers for people who have had difficulty working in warehouses by introducing advanced logistics robots and work aids and thereby improving work environments.
As the first phase of this project, the Company will be introducing short-range mobility systems from WHILL Inc. to ease workloads and improve productivity.
By linking these next-generation mobility systems with automated guided vehicles (AGVs), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and other unmanned transport equipment, it will even be possible for people with walking difficulties to perform picking and other warehouse operations.
Furthermore, the Company has partnered with Mirairo Inc., a provider of universal design solutions that utilize the perspectives of a diversity of working people, to foster awareness and pave the way for the acceptance of diverse work styles(*).
Nippon Express will gradually be expanding this initiative to multiple locations and constructing "Universal Harmonious Work Warehouses" capable of accommodating even greater diversity. It will also be aiming to turn its know-how into solution services at some point in the future.
The NX Group is working to enhance corporate value and solve social issues to realize the Group's long-term vision of becoming "a logistics company with a strong presence in the global market", while Nippon Express is also striving to establish workplace environments in which a diverse range of employees can maximize their individual abilities while enjoying rewarding and challenging work. Going forward, Nippon Express will continue utilizing DX to revitalize its organization through the active participation of a diverse range of workers, step up its efforts to secure work-ready human resources, and endeavor to enhance its corporate value.
■ Profiles of partner companies
| Company name | WHILL Inc. |
|---|---|
| Head office location | 2F, Harbor Premium Building, Higashi-shinagawa 2-1-11, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo |
| Year established | 2012 |
| Representative | Satoshi Sugie |
| Number of employees | Approx. 330 as of January 2024 (on a global consolidated basis) |
| Description of business | Development, production, sales of short-range mobility products and provision of related services; provision of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) |
| Website | https://whill.inc/jp/ |
| Company name | Mirairo Inc. |
|---|---|
| Head office location | 8F, EPO Shinosaka Building, Nishi-nakajima 3-8-15, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka |
| Year established | 2010 |
| Representative | Toshiya Kakiuchi |
| Number of employees | 49 as of July 2024* (excluding part-time/temporary employees) |
| Description of business | Universal design planning, layout and creative production Education and training at commercial, government, and educational institutions Universal design consulting utilizing the perspectives of people with disabilities Planning, operation, and administration of education and training pertaining to universal manners Development and administration of "Mirairo ID" digital disability certificates, etc. |
| Website | https://www.mirairo.co.jp/ |
(*) The Universal Manners Certification Examination sponsored by Mirairo Inc. is recommended, and currently 22 Nippon Express employees have obtained Level 2 and 66 have obtained Level 3 certification from the Universal Manners Association of Japan.
