[Industry Alpha × Shion System]Why a Cutting-Edge AMR Venture is Expanding into Kyushu Amid the Semiconductor Factory Construction Boom
Industry Alpha, contributing to the automation of factories and warehouses, is entering the Kyushu region in full scale through collaboration with Shion System.
Industry Alpha Inc. (Head Office: Itabashi-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Takumi Watanabe; hereinafter “Industry Alpha”), which develops and deploys low-profile AMRs and promotes smart factory and warehouse solutions, has partnered with Shion System Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture; Representative: Junji Nita; hereinafter “Shion System”) to collaborate on AMR-related business, aiming to further advance automation in the manufacturing and logistics sectors throughout the Kyushu region.
Background
In the Kyushu region, the construction of semiconductor-related factories is rapidly progressing, raising expectations for the realization of the “Silicon Island.” Meanwhile, rising labor costs have become a serious issue, making it difficult to secure sufficient workforce. Among established local manufacturers in Kyushu, such as automotive parts makers and food manufacturers, concerns are growing over declining profit margins due to increased labor costs and reduced production volume caused by labor shortages. Factories and warehouses are increasingly facing the need to automate operations to achieve stable production with fewer personnel.
Characteristics of Both Companies
Both companies have strengths in the field of automation, particularly in automated material handling, and possess the following features:
Features of Industry Alpha
- Develops both hardware and software as a partner for smart automation
- Their low-profile AMR, Kaghelo, with a minimum height of 185mm, has ranked No.1 in manufacturer attention rankings for unmanned transport vehicles
- Proprietary-designed FMS (Fleet Management System) flexibly adapts to site-specific rules and requirements
Features of Shion System
- Handles both hardware and software, providing comprehensive support from development through on-site implementation
- Developed 1000kg-capacity AGVs and deployed them in metal processing factories and other facilities
- Has a strong regional presence in Kyushu, building close relationships with local companies through detailed hearings and collaboration
We are confident that by joining forces, both companies—each committed to meeting on-site needs—will be able to better serve an even greater number of businesses.
Collaboration Scheme
In this collaboration scheme, Industry Alpha will borrow the strength of Shion System for installation and post-installation maintenance, and make a full-scale advance into the Kyushu region.
Traditionally, Industry Alpha faced barriers such as lack of speed due to geographical distance in contexts such as conducting demos before installation and on-site support after installation in Kyushu. Therefore, by cooperating with Shion System, which has a base in Kyushu and is trusted by local companies, we will solve these issues. Specifically, Industry Alpha’s AMR will be permanently installed at Shion System’s headquarters (Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture) for demonstrations, and we will collaborate on maintenance to further satisfy customer needs.