2025.05.22
#Focus #Interview #R&D #Social contribution #Mitsubishi Electric around the world Changing the Norm of "Transportation". A report on the "now" of autonomous driving robots, which have begun running alongside the next social movement.
Autonomous driving robots transporting loads automatically. Now, this service is spreading beyond the city streets to the medical field. What is at the forefront of autonomous robot development, aiming to contribute to society through the transportation of goods? This video features each member of the team working diligently towards a future where robots go beyond the boundaries of delivery and become solution partners.
"Autonomous driving robots" that deliver goods to people are starting to play an active role in our society. How is this being made possible? The people overseeing various aspects of Mitsubishi Electric's autonomous driving robots will introduce the forefront of this field and share insight on the current status of autonomous driving robots.
Cartken, an automatic delivery robot that can be called upon via an app, etc. is loaded with food, daily necessities, and other packages, then delivers its load to an individual’s home or other designated destination. Equipped with proprietary AI, Cartken is able to distinguish between people, objects, vehicles, and roads, enabling reliable package delivery. Safety is a crucial element with this type of automation. Behind the scenes, operators monitor the robot through human eyes and operate it as needed to avoid risks while driving, thus supporting advanced autonomous driving.
Furthermore, MELDY, a delivery robot for hospitals, was developed for use in hospitals and other medical facilities where safety is absolutely essential. MELDY is equipped with a variety of features related to transportation and security measures to meet the needs of medical facilities, which call for even greater attention to safety.
One person overseeing this project describes the future prospects of the company as follows. "As the logistics gap and aging of society continue to grow, we would like to go beyond conventional transportation and nurture robots to become our new partners supporting day-to-day life."
INTERVIEWEE
Autonomous Delivery Robot Sales Department
Melco Mobility Solutions Corp.
Komori Futaba
Joined the company in 2024. In charge of sales of autonomous delivery robots, and engaged in proposing the introduction of Cartken robots, as well as promoting collaboration with partner companies and providing operational support. He aims to build an efficient and sustainable delivery infrastructure by leveraging robot technology.
INTERVIEWEE
Assistant Manager, Technical Management Division
Melco Mobility Solutions Corp.
Nakauchi Kazuma
Joined the company in 2012. Engaged in after-sales service for electrical components, navigation systems, and ETC systems, which the automotive equipment business is involved in. Currently, he is working on examining measures to ensure safe robot operation in robot delivery services, as well as establishing an educational system and environment.
INTERVIEWEE
Assistant Manager, Service Solution Department
Melco Mobility Solutions Corp.
Keisuke Tange
Joined the company in 2012. Engaged in after-sales service operations for electrical components, navigation and ETC as a distributor in the Automotive Equipment Division. He is currently involved in training on remote monitoring operations for robot delivery services and risk assessments related to the autonomous driving of robots.
INTERVIEWEE
New Business Project Group, Mitsubishi Electric Mobility Corporation
Fumiya Goto
Joined the company in 2019. As a sales representative for products for automobile manufacturers, he engaged in securing orders for car navigation systems, audio equipment, etc., supporting mass production and development, and managing shipments. Currently, in the New Business Development Department, he is engaged in planning and sales of solutions such as transport robots for hospitals.
INTERVIEWEE
New Business Project Group, Mitsubishi Electric Mobility Corporation
Masataka Arimura
Joined the company in 2014. As a sales representative for products for automobile manufacturers, he engaged in securing orders for automotive parts and supporting mass production and development.
Currently, in the New Business Development Department, he is primarily involved in overall strategy planning for the automated delivery robot business and promotion of collaboration with partner companies.
