Contributing to the Environment and Society with Our Products
The Daifuku Group will accelerate our efforts to look to the future and contribute to solving environmental and social issues through our products, based on our long-term vision Driving Innovative Impact 2030.
Product Sustainability Performance Evaluation
In fiscal 2024, we began conducting sustainability performance evaluations to assess the environmental and social value of our products and systems. From fiscal 2012 to fiscal 2022, we conducted environmental performance evaluations of our products under the Daifuku Eco-Products Certification Program; however, going forward we will evaluate our products from a broader perspective that includes consideration for the environment as well as contributions to customers and society. We will continue conducting environmental impact assessments for all our products using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method. By analyzing the environmental impact of our products across their entire life cycle, we aim to further enhance their eco-friendliness.
Main Points of Evaluation
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Efforts for Reduced Energy and Resource Consumption in Products
Our Group’s products contribute to a wide range of areas, including factory automation in general industries, semiconductors, and the automotive industry, as well as labor saving in logistics centers and the streamlining of airport operations. We consider minimizing the energy consumption and resources used in our products to be an important initiative, and we are working on the application of various techniques and technologies from the design stage.
Examples of Initiatives Aimed at Energy Conservation
Use of regenerative power
- In automatic warehouses and transport systems, regenerative converters are used to harness the regenerative energy generated during deceleration and descent and feed it into the power supply of other machines, equipment and devices.
- The regenerative braking energy of the motor in an Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV) is used effectively by charging the battery.
Installation of energy-saving functions
- AGVs, conveyors and sorters are equipped with a function to turn off the power while in standby mode.
- Visualization of power consumption using monitors supports the optimization of machine operation and the energy-saving activities of customers.
- The transport system is equipped with a function to smooth out power demand.
- Installation of an ECO mode reduces the amount of electricity consumed during car washes.
Use of motors and inverters
- A power generation motor has been installed on the sorting vehicle to improve the efficiency of power supply.
- High-efficiency motors are used in the transport system or are installed as standard equipment.
- Inverters used in car washers reduce power consumption.
Optimization using AI
- Optimization of the route and sequence of the transport system using AI technology (enabling the same amount of transport to be carried out with fewer AGVs).
Weight reduction
- Lightweight design implemented through strength analysis.
- Consolidating the ICs (integrated circuits) on the circuit board to make electronic device products lighter and more compact.
Other efforts
- By adopting a new generation of CPUs in electronic device products, power consumption has been reduced.
- Installing a thermostat in the car washer minimizes the use of the heater in cold regions.
- Use of simulations reduces the number of test runs on actual equipment, reducing power consumption.
Examples of Initiatives Aimed at Resource Conservation
Reduction of materials
- Lightweight design implemented through strength analysis.
- Reducing the number of parts by consolidating ICs (integrated circuits) and using innovative sheet metal construction.
- Switching from product description CD-ROMs and paper media to web downloads.
Longer-life products
- Researching materials to improve the durability of the drive wheels.
- Using of resin or corrosion-resistant materials to enhance rust resistance.
- Designing to eliminate rotating bodies such as fans and hard disk drives.
- Not using condensers or using long-life condensers.
Virtual engineering
- Reducing the number of parts by using 3D models.
- Using virtual engineering such as capability simulation, virtual emulation, and welding analysis, the number of parts used in prototypes has been reduced.
Environmentally friendly materials
- Use of recycled and biomass resins.
- Use of environmentally friendly liquid detergent in car wash machines.
- Use of RoHS2-compliant parts.
- Use of cardboard for packing material.
Product Overview
Systems for general manufacturing and logistics
Cross-belt Sorter
A cross-belt sorter is a system that sorts items at high speed by rotating the belts on each of the connected carts as they travel along the rails. It is mainly used in e-commerce logistics, where there is a need to sort a large volume of items of various sizes and shapes in a short period of time, and it contributes to improving work efficiency and alleviating labor shortages. Since each cart operates independently, a malfunction in one does not require shutting down the entire system, allowing operations at logistics sites to continue with minimal disruption. By using a power generation motor mounted on the cart, we have reduced its weight, lowered power consumption, and enhanced cost efficiency.
- Environmental value
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- Compared to the non-contact power supply the HID* model, this model reduces power consumption by 3.5% and lowers CO2 emissions by 8.1%.
- *HID is an abbreviation for High Efficiency Inductive Power Distribution technology.
- Social value
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- Compared to the non-contact power supply the HID model, this model has great cost efficiency.
- Its quiet design contributes to a better working environment.
Shuttle Rack (SRS-M Double-deep)
The Shuttle Rack M is a high-capacity automated warehouse system that uses carts on each level of the rack to provide both temporary storage and sorting functions. It is ideal for storing and sorting large volumes of goods in confined spaces, making it especially useful in e-commerce logistics, which handles a wide variety of products in small quantities. Additionally, it is widely used in retail, manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture, contributing to efficient sorting, storage, and picking operations. The cart is now able to store two items in the depth direction of the shelf, allowing for more efficient and higher-density storage.
- Environmental value
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- In comparison to comparable product*, both power consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced by over 50%.
- Social value
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- In comparison to comparable product*, this model has three times the transport capacity.
- The space-saving design makes effective use of the space in logistics sites.
- * Fine Stocker (R-F3)
Systems for semiconductor production lines
Power supply unit for the wireless power supply system HID “HID4-BA”
The Power supply unit for the wireless power supply system HID “HID4-BA” is a power supply system that provides power without contact. Unlike power supplied via cables, it does not generate dust due to friction, and is therefore used in many semiconductor manufacturing lines and liquid crystal manufacturing facilities , where a high level of cleanliness is required. Automated transport enables the production of high-quality products at low cost and in a shorter timeframe. Additionally, the non-contact design prevents wear and tear, allowing for stable, long-term power supply and significantly reducing maintenance costs.
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- Environmental value
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- Reducing the number of parts reduces the amount of resources used.
- By changing the high-frequency transformer, power loss has been reduced.
- Social value
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- The 12% weight reduction makes installation work easier.
- Maintainability has been improved through a reduction of parts.
Systems for Automobile Assembly Lines
Heavy-duty, low-profile SLAT Conveyor
The heavy-duty low-profile SLAT conveyor belt is designed for use in the assembly and inspection lines of automobile factories. Unlike conventional models that require a deep pit for installation due to their large drive units, this product features a compact, divided drive unit that allows for a low-floor design. This innovation eliminates the need for pit construction, thereby reducing waste and CO2 emissions during installation. Additionally, by increasing the maximum load capacity and adjusting the combination of rail units, this conveyor system can adapt flexibly to changes in the production line. It is particularly useful in factory settings with significant production variability, such as those that handle both gasoline-powered cars and heavy electric vehicles (EVs), enhancing production efficiency.
- Environmental value
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- Longer life has been achieved by improving the bearings and chains of conventional products.
- Product weight has been reduced thereby reducing power consumption by 8%.
- Social value
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- By arranging standardized units, the efficiency of installation work has been improved.
- Reducing the total number of parts by 3% has made assembly work more efficient.
- There is no longer any need to enter a pit during maintenance, reducing the work burden and improving safety.
Systems for airports
Baggage Handling System
The baggage handling system efficiently transports and sorts passengers’ checked baggage at high speeds. It is designed for environments requiring rapid sorting of large volumes of baggage, such as in major airports. Unlike conventional belt conveyor systems, this system prevents item damage by transporting each item individually in its own tray. By replacing the traditional wide belt with a combination of a narrow belt and rollers, we have successfully reduced the size of the motor. Additionally, by implementing an energy-efficient control system that activates the conveyor only when baggage trays pass through, we have significantly reduced power consumption. The system reads the RFID chips on each tray, allowing precise tracking of baggage in transit. This capability helps prevent lost baggage and reduces labor and manpower needed to resolve baggage jams.
- Environmental value
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- Compared to conventional products that use a belt conveyor, power consumption is reduced by approximately 27%.
- Overall weight reduced by 40% by reducing the amount of belts and conveyor frames used.
- Social value
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- World-class transport speed of 600m/min.
- Labor saving due to a decrease in the frequency of baggage jams.
- 13% quieter than conventional products, helping to improve the work environment.
Car Wash Machines and related products
Drive-through-type Car Wash Machine Treus (CMTE7000)
The Treus is a key model of drive-through car wash machines, primarily used at self-service gas stations. By combining brushing and rinsing in a single operation, it reduces the number of back-and-forth movements required for foam car washes from 2.5 to 1.5. This efficiency shortens car wash times and results in savings on both water and electricity. Additionally, it features the industry’s first Car Wash Machine Smart Support function, enabling real-time communication with the service center and remote monitoring and operation of the machine in case of issues. This innovation eliminates the need to wait for service staff, allowing for quicker problem resolution and reduced downtime, ultimately improving operational efficiency.
- Environmental value
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- Improved car wash operation and ECO mode settings reduce water usage by 10% and electricity usage by 20%.
- By changing the material of the coating agent and piping, the frequency of cleaning has been reduced to one-third, reducing the risk of blockages.
- The Car Wash Smart Support function reduces the number of visits to customers, and reduces CO2 emissions.
- Social value
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- Allows for rapid recovery and improved usability through remote operation.
Electronic devices
BX-T3000
The BX-T3000 is an industrial box computer featuring a power-efficient, high-performance CPU. It delivers excellent calculation and rendering capabilities while maintaining energy efficiency. This versatile unit is commonly used in factory inspection equipment, medical devices, and digital signage terminals for buses and trains, among other applications. Its compact and lightweight design allows for installation in an area roughly the size of an A5 sheet of paper. With a broad operating temperature range, it can function reliably in harsh outdoor conditions, making it suitable for various environments. Additionally, its fan-less design eliminates the need for a cooling fan and features a sealed structure without exhaust ports, which prevents dust and foreign objects from entering and minimizes maintenance and inspection efforts.
- Environmental value
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- Due to its smaller size, the main unit weighs 35% less than previous products.
- Reduction of 78% in internal packaging materials compared to previous products.
- The adoption of a new generation CPU has reduced power consumption by 26% compared to previous products.
- Social value
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- Despite its thin design, the unit combines a wide temperature range (-20°C to 60°C) with high performance, contributing to stable operation in a wide range of fields.
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