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ITOKI CORPORATION (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Koji Minato) will add two new models to its "SAS (Systema Streamer)" series of automatic sorting systems, "SAS-R2" and "SAS-NR," which offer approximately 40% improved storage efficiency, to its lineup starting in April 2026.

The "SAS-R2" model features a more compact picking arm, allowing for an increase in storage capacity from a maximum of 14 levels to 20 levels in buildings with a 6m beam height, improving storage efficiency by approximately 40%. The "SAS-NR" model incorporates a lifting function into the dolly (horizontally traveling trolley). While also improving storage efficiency by approximately 40%, this model contributes to reducing initial costs by optimizing the number of dollies to match the required inbound and outbound processing capacity.

With the addition of these new models, the SAS series now offers a wider range of variations, including SAS-R (high-speed loading/unloading type), SAS-RIII (variable width type to accommodate various cargo widths), SAS-R2 (high storage type with a compact arm height), and SAS-NR (high storage type with a lifting function), allowing us to offer more flexible solutions to our customers.

In the logistics industry, the need for improved processing capacity, reduced manpower, and automation at logistics centers is increasing due to labor shortages and the "logistics problem of 2024." Logistics hubs are required to balance high-speed inbound and outbound processing with efficient storage operations, such as responding to same-day delivery and shipments of a wide variety of products in small lots.

In addition, against the backdrop of recent supply chain instability, there is a growing trend for companies to maintain a certain level of safety stock, and interest in efficient storage operations and optimization of inbound and outbound processing capabilities is increasing.

ITOKI has always proposed logistics systems that are individually designed to suit each customer's needs, taking into account the types of goods handled, the volume of goods to be received, storage volume, building conditions, and operational methods. The newly added models, "SAS-R2" and "SAS-NR," are new models that pursue optimization of storage efficiency and receiving/shipping processing capacity while leveraging the high-speed processing performance of the existing SAS series, in order to better meet the requirements of diverse logistics sites.

By reducing the height of the picking arm, storage efficiency has been improved by approximately 40% compared to conventional models. For example, in a building with a beam height of 6m, it is possible to store up to 20 levels. High-speed loading and unloading is possible as one dolly travels to each storage level.

The dolly used for loading and unloading stored items is equipped with a lifting mechanism. This allows a single dolly to handle up to seven shelves, whereas previously multiple dollies were required depending on the number of shelves. This model leverages the features of the conventional SAS series, which excels at high-speed loading and unloading, while keeping initial costs down and enabling efficient storage operations.

By combining SAS-NR and SAS-R2, you can design areas that prioritize storage operations and areas that prioritize inbound/outbound processing capacity within the same warehouse.

• Solutions by Sector | Factories and Logistics Facilities
https://www.itoki.jp/solution/field/distribution/
• Video: "Systema Streamer SAS-R" Shuttle Trolley Type Automated Warehouse System: Achieving Compact Design and Ultra-High-Speed Inbound/Outbound Capabilities
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-a7ChdvgVo