Sumitomo and Dexterity establish joint venture in Japan

Sumitomo, one of the world’s largest trading companies, and Dexterity, an AI and robotics company, have created Dexterity-SC Japan, a new joint venture focused on accelerating the adoption of AI-powered intelligent robotic solutions for warehouse, supply chain, logistics, and other labor intensive industrial operations.

Building on a successful distribution agreement between the two companies in 2022, the newly formed Dexterity-SC Japan will sell, market, localize, and provide financing options for AI-powered robotic solutions.

These solutions will leverage cutting-edge AI technology and intelligent robotics to solve the most complicated, dynamic material handling challenges in industrial settings.

Norihiko Nonaka, automotive group CEO at Sumitomo, says: “The timing has never been more urgent for companies in Japan to adopt technological solutions to address the combined impacts of labor shortages and rising demand for e-commerce.

“Dexterity-SC Japan will help close that gap by enabling Japanese companies to leverage proven technology already used by leading parcel, 3PL, and manufacturing companies in the US.”

Recent labor statistics in Japan estimate that there will be up to a 35 percent transportation capacity shortage by 2030, impacting industries across the Japanese economy.

Dexterity-SC Japan will offer truck loading, truck unloading, palletizing, and depalletizing products that will help better leverage existing manpower in the logistics industry.

Samir Menon, Dexterity CEO, says: “In partnership with a trusted industry leader like Sumitomo Corporation, we are confident that Japanese companies will be able to quickly realize the benefits of market proven AI-powered robotic solutions in their logistics operations.”

Sumitomo Corporation and Dexterity previously announced a partnership to deliver 1,500 Dexterity-powered robots by 2026, including 500 truck loading robots for Japanese warehouses.

Sumitomo also invested in Dexterity in 2020 through Presidio Ventures, Sumitomo’s US-based corporate venture capital arm.