From Truck Beds to Smartphones: How Toyoda Gosei is Revolutionizing Transport Efficiency with 3D Sensing

For years, the logistics industry has faced the persistent challenge of optimizing truck loads. In KIYOSU, Japan, Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. (TOKYO:7282) has been at the forefront of tackling this issue. Traditionally, determining the ideal load for a truck was an arduous task. It required a human touch—literally. A person in charge of each route would visually assess cargo beds. This method was not only time-consuming but also prone to human error. Different people used different judgment criteria, and the number of trucks that could be efficiently checked was limited. This bottleneck in the logistics process often resulted in suboptimal truck allocations and routes. 

The inefficiencies did not end there. Each of Toyoda Gosei’s automaker customers had specific production volumes at their plants, necessitating regular checks for load optimization. The manual approach was simply not up to the task of handling these dynamically changing volumes, which demanded a more agile and precise solution.

Enter 2023, and Toyoda Gosei decided to give their logistics a technological facelift. They rolled out a 24-hour automatic load calculation system using AI and fixed cameras. This system was a game-changer, especially for their two main distribution centers—Miyoshi Distribution Center and the Ichinomiya Distribution Center of Group company TG Logistics. These two centers alone handled sixty percent of the company’s product transport. By automating load calculations, Toyoda Gosei significantly boosted loading efficiency. 

The use of AI meant that the system could learn and improve over time, providing consistently accurate load calculations. Fixed cameras ensured that the system had a constant eye on the trucks, leaving no room for human error or oversight. This was a significant step forward in optimizing transport logistics, but Toyoda Gosei wasn’t done innovating just yet.

In a bid to further enhance transport efficiency, Toyoda Gosei developed a system utilizing smartphone 3D sensing (LiDAR). This technology, known as Light Detection and Ranging, uses laser light reflection information to calculate the distance to and shape of an object. By integrating this technology into smartphones, Toyoda Gosei made it possible to easily calculate truck load capacity without being restricted by location. 

The beauty of this system lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Anyone with a smartphone equipped with a LiDAR scanner can perform highly accurate load calculations. This innovation has opened up new possibilities for direct delivery and other routes from Toyoda Gosei’s dispersed production locations, which account for the remaining forty percent of product transport. The mobile system ensures that load optimization can be achieved anywhere, anytime, which is crucial in today’s fast-paced logistics environment.

Toyoda Gosei’s advancements in transport efficiency are paving the way for a more streamlined logistics industry. By leveraging AI and LiDAR technology, the company is setting a new standard for how truck loads are calculated and managed. These innovations not only improve efficiency but also contribute to more sustainable transport practices by reducing the number of unnecessary trips and fuel consumption.

Looking ahead, the potential applications of Toyoda Gosei’s system are vast. As smartphone technology continues to evolve, so too will the capabilities of mobile load calculation systems. This could lead to even greater efficiencies and cost savings for businesses worldwide. Toyoda Gosei’s commitment to innovation serves as a shining example of how technology can transform traditional industries, making them more efficient, accurate, and sustainable.

In conclusion, Toyoda Gosei’s journey from manual load checks to AI-driven, LiDAR-enhanced systems highlights the power of technological innovation in overcoming logistical challenges. As they continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, the future of transport efficiency looks brighter than ever.