On September 1st, Fukuyama Transport, Menicon, IHI Logistics Industrial Systems, and Exotec Nihon announced that they have decided to introduce Skypod, a warehouse automation solution developed by Exotec, to the Menicon logistics center in Yachiyo City, Chiba Prefecture, which is owned and operated by Fukuyama Transport.
<Skypod system image>
Skypod is a warehouse automation solution in which robots capable of moving in three dimensions (forward, backward, left, right, up, and down) pick up target products and transport them to workers. Compared to manual labor, it can dramatically improve storage efficiency, shipping speed, and work quality.
The Skypod being introduced is the next-generation model, which was renewed in February 2025, and will be the first to be installed in Japan. It is scheduled to begin operation in late 2026. The next-generation model improves shipping processing capacity by up to 50% and storage density by approximately 30% compared to the previous model.
With added value features such as optimized shipping order considering order priority and delivery route, buffer functions, omnichannel support that allows processing for e-commerce and physical stores in a single system, and a modular configuration that enables gradual expansion and high uptime, it not only reduces manpower but also contributes to stable operation during peak times, shorter lead times, and improved service levels.
Menicon and Fukuyama Transport have adopted the next-generation Skypod system to cope with the increased volume of goods due to the planned start of operations at Menicon's new Malaysian plant in the second half of the fiscal year ending March 2026, and to promote labor-saving measures in preparation for future labor shortages.
IHI Logistics Systems and Exotec have been in a strategic partnership since 2021 with the aim of solving customer challenges and contributing to business growth. In this project, IHI Logistics Systems will be in charge of overall management, providing end-to-end support from engineering and installation to after-sales service, while Exotec will drive innovation in traditional warehouse operations and transform logistics from a cost center to a profit center, primarily through its warehouse automation solution, Skypod.
■Implementation Overview
Facility name: Fukuyama Transport Chiba Yachiyo Branch
Location: 2nd Floor, Fukuyama Transport Chiba Yachiyo Branch, 1353-4 Kamitakano, Yachiyo City, Chiba Prefecture
Number of BINs in Storage: 10,810 BINs
Number of robots: 73
Main use: Picking goods in a warehouse
