Safer Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) Helping to Save Labor at a Logistics Center!

(Interview, July 2024)

—Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with us today.
And thank you very much for using Stanley’s LED Graphic Units LEDS HIGHLIGHT.

Mr. Nonogaki
Thank you for coming all the way here today.

—In what kinds of scenarios are you using the LED Graphic Units?

Mr. Nonogaki
We store clients' packages here and sort and ship them according to the clients’ instructions.
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) are indispensable for this work.
We have installed Stanley Electric's LED Graphic Units on our AMRs and are using these to ensure safety at the site.

—Thank you very much. This is precisely the kind of scenario in which we want customers to use the Graphic Units (laughs).
Can you tell us a bit more about how you came to introduce the units to the site?

Mr. Nonogaki
A safe workplace is the most basic requirement for us, and upper management at HONDALOGICOM is active in promoting digital transformation.
As part of this effort, we began testing the introduction of AMRs, which should help save labor, in May 2023. Their full-scale introduction began in May 2024.

—So was it you, Mr. Nonogaki, who pushed for it.
Can you recall any notable moments during the introduction?

Mr. Nonogaki
As we began testing, we found that because there are so many people working on site, it was difficult to tell when an AMR was approaching. The danger of an AMR coming into contact with someone became a concern.
The manufacturer of the AMRs offers an option where the direction of motion is indicated with a light, so we tried it. However, it was difficult to see because of the thin line and dim nature of the light, so we lacked a solution.

—Is that when you came across the Stanley LED Graphic Unit?

Mr. Nonogaki
We looked at various stores online, but we couldn’t find an option that was just right.
That is when Sun-Wa Technos Corporation—a distributor of Stanley Electric products who also happens to be a business partner of ours—introduced us to Stanley’s LED Graphic Unit.

—What did you think when you saw the light in person?

Mr. Nonogaki
My immediate thought was, “This is exactly what we were looking for!”
When we actually installed it and tried it out, the light was a good size, bright, and very easy to see, even in a well-lit room.

—Is it safe to assume you can perceive the AMRs emerging from behind shelves in advance?

Mr. Nonogaki
Yes, the feedback from the field has been very positive.
We’re very glad to have added Stanley Electric's LED Graphic Units.

—Thank you very much.
Did you run into any trouble when adopting the units?

Mr. Nonogaki
We went back and forth about how to install and power the units, but Mr. Fujiwara and Mr. Tatsugashira from Sun-Wa Technos Corporation gave us suggestions regarding the power supply, mobile batteries, and installation method. We were able to install the units without affecting the warranties of the AMRs units themselves.

—That is very nice of Sun-Wa Technos Corporation. Thank you very much.

Mr. Nonogaki
Installation has now been completed on 20 AMRs.
Going forward, we are thinking of increasing this number to 40 or 50 AMRs at this distribution center alone. We are also considering expanding the use of the Graphic Units to forklifts and other equipment.

—We look forward to seeing our LED Graphic Units helping out in the future.
Finally, can you tell us a little about yourself?
What work have you handled since joining the company? What do you find rewarding? And what challenges have you faced?

Mr. Nonogaki
I have been with HONDALOGICOM for 27 years. Originally, I worked in receiving and shipping. However, I was reassigned to promote improvements in the logistics department that handled work for a car manufacturer. I was told by the company to generate results that matched my salary at the very least (laughs).

And as a result, I now work on promoting digital transformation.
The most rewarding part of my job has been the increased contact I have with others outside the company with the recent introduction of AMRs. I exchange business cards much more than I used to.
A challenge I’ve faced has been moving bases due to changes in capacity. Everything has to start from scratch, and the workload is enormous.

—Thank you very much for your sharing your thoughts with us today.
Finally, let us take a photo of you with the two representatives from Sun-Wa Technos Corporation who are with us today.