Press Release Mar 19, 2025 KDDI America Chosen by Nichirin Tennessee to Launch Innovative Proof-of-Concept Trial of Automated Warehouse Solution with Autonomous Drones

KDDI America, Inc.

March 19, 2025 — KDDI America, a leading IT and digital transformation solutions provider, is proud to announce that it has been selected by Nichirin Tennessee, the North American subsidiary of the Japanese Nichirin Group, to implement a groundbreaking proof-of-concept (PoC) trial of a new automated warehouse solution. This forward-thinking project will utilize autonomous indoor drones and artificial intelligence (AI) to address major challenges facing the North American manufacturing industry, such as rising costs, labor shortages and time management.

The trial will integrate cutting-edge autonomous flight technology with advanced AI models and predictive analytics, enabling drones to autonomously scan barcodes, QR codes or other markings on inventory pallets. This innovative system will allow Nichirin Tennessee to dramatically improve inventory management efficiency by automating labor-intensive processes that typically required a larger effort and time investment on behalf of their workforce.

Through this trial, Nichirin Tennessee will be able to automate the inventory process of scanning pallets and boxes by analyzing data from drone footage. Drones will scan QR codes printed on inventory, significantly improving the speed and accuracy of inventory counts. The inventory tasks, which were previously manned by a team of 5 or more over a number day of days and scheduled for twice per year, are now able to be conducted monthly along with additional weekly cycle counts which were not previously able to be performed due to time management and resource constraints.

The drones, which are flown safely and autonomously indoors, will capture real-time inventory data, offering a level of accuracy and visibility that traditional methods could not regularly achieve. The combination of AI-powered analysis and historical data insights will also enable Nichirin Tennessee to make more informed decisions about inventory levels and optimize warehouse management, streamlining operations for future scalability.

“This collaboration marks an important step toward transforming the way warehouses are managed in North America,” said Satoshi Oishi, President and CEO of KDDI America. “By integrating autonomous drones with AI-driven analysis, we’re not just addressing the pressing challenges of labor shortages and rising costs—we’re also providing a glimpse into the future of highly efficient, data-driven warehouse management systems. We’re proud to be working alongside Nichirin Tennessee to push the boundaries of innovation in the manufacturing sector.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with KDDI America to implement this state-of-the-art solution that will help Nichirin Tennessee address both operational challenges and the growing demand for greater inventory accuracy,” said Masatoshi Kamatani, President and CEO of Nichirin Tennessee. “This project is not just about improving efficiency; it’s about leading the charge toward automation and better inventory management. By leveraging drone technology and AI-driven analytics, we’re taking a bold step toward a future of more scientific and productive operations in the manufacturing industry.”

“We see this as a long-term project that can redefine the way warehouses operate worldwide,” said Oishi. “In the near future, we envision a fully integrated ecosystem where drones, AI, and automated transport systems work in harmony to create a fully autonomous, highly efficient warehouse that can operate sustainably while maximizing productivity.”

The collaboration between KDDI America and Nichirin Tennessee highlights both companies’ commitment to innovation and their shared goal of digital transformation solutions introduced into the manufacturing industry. Nichirin Tennessee recognizes the growing importance of automation and digital transformation to stay competitive in the fast-evolving manufacturing sector.

For KDDI America, this project represents a significant milestone in its efforts to bring cutting-edge technologies to the North American market. As a trusted partner for businesses seeking to innovate and stay ahead of industry trends, KDDI America continues to implement and invest in next-generation solutions that drive efficiency and improve business outcomes across all metrics and verticals.

KDDI America is a global leader in information and communication technology (ICT) solutions. As a subsidiary of KDDI Corporation, one of Japan's largest telecommunications companies and a Fortune Global 500 Company, KDDI America delivers a broad range of services, including cloud solutions, networking, cybersecurity, and managed IT services. With a focus on connecting businesses worldwide and enabling digital transformation, KDDI America empowers organizations to enhance their capabilities, scale their operations, and innovate for the future.

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