Signing of Exclusive Distributorship Agreement for Intelligent Robots for Logistics Warehouse Automation in Japan and Launching of RaaS Business-Providing solution to logistical crisis-

Sumitomo Corporation (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer: Masayuki Hyodo) has signed an exclusive distributorship agreement in Japan with Dexterity, Inc. (hereinafter "Dexterity”), a US-based company providing AI robotics software. Considering forecasts estimating the growth of the Japanese market for next-generation logistics business systems, including robotics automation, is forecasted to reach 1 trillion JPY by 2025. By collaborating with Dexterity, Sumitomo Corporation will launch its Robotics as a Service (RaaS) business (note), to improve the efficiency and sophistication of the logistics industry in Japan,.

With the growth of e-commerce and lifestyle changes by the COVID-19, logistics in Japan is under pressure due to the rapid growing volume of goods described as "logistical crisis.” The number of parcel delivery services grew to approximately 4.8 billion in 2020, compared to 3 billion in 2010. In addition, labor shortages due to declining birthrates and aging demographics, warehouse operations require more efficiency and sophistication. Meanwhile, current operational robots are only able to handle predefined objects and movements, meaning human supports are still needed in logistical operations. 

Dexterity provides proprietary full-stack robotic intelligence software that combines AI, computer vision, and control technologies to make traditional robots capable of handling complicated logistics tasks that previously could only be done manually. Compared to existing operational robots, Dexterity's technology enables robots to handle human-level complex tasks with speed and low up-front costs. 

Dexterity-powered robots have shipped tens of millions of goods for large retailers, manufacturers, and parcel carriers. In October 2021, Dexterity was valued at 1.4 billion USD after raising 180 million USD in its Series B financing round.

Sumitomo Corporation invested in Dexterity in 2020 through Presidio Ventures Inc., a U.S. corporate venture capital (CVC) and has signed an exclusive distributorship agreement in Japan. Sumitomo Corporation will interview logistics and retail companies about the issues they face and implement Dexterity's software on hardware to provide solutions in Japan, targeting to sell 1,500 units by 2026. Furthermore, to show Dexterity’s software performance, a demo center is planned to be opened in the Kanto region in November 2022. Sumitomo Corporation will also collaborate with our logistics facilities, "SOSiLA" and provide Dexterity's robot arms and other equipment to SOSiLA tenants.

Sumitomo Corporation will utilize its vast business network and group’s integrated corporate strength to realize factory automation using innovative digital technology, such as Dexterity's products. In addition, Sumitomo Corporation aims to contribute to the development of local communities and industries by establishing RaaS business, automating processes in logistics and manufacturing fields.

(Note) Robotics as a Service (RaaS) business: providing wide variety of high-performance devices and technologies on a subscription basis.

■About Dexterity

■Examples of Dexterity products

Sumitomo Corporation’s Material Issues

Sumitomo Corporation Group positions “Six Material Issues to Achieve Sustainable Growth with Society” as an important factor in developing business strategies and in the decision-making process for individual businesses. Going forward, we will pursue sustainable growth by resolving these issues through our business activities. This project especially contributes to the following material Issues.

Achieving Harmony with the Global Environment

To realize recycling-oriented society and mitigate climate change, we are working to establish frameworks for the efficient use of resources and stable supply of renewable energy. In doing so, we will achieve growth in harmony with the global environment.

Contributing to the Development of Local Communities and Industries

We steadily procure and provide goods and services to meet the needs of people in various countries and regions and contribute to developing industrial platforms. Through these means, we will create a virtuous cycle in which we can grow and develop together with local communities.

Establishing a Foundation for Comfortable and Enriching Lifestyles

We strive to realize more convenient and comfortable lifestyles by providing goods and services for daily use while also responding to needs for high-quality lifestyles in order to support the physical and mental health of people around the world.

Providing Diverse “Accessibility”

We provide diverse accessibility to open up the possibility of creating new value. To this end, we will improve mobility for safe and efficient flow of people and goods, and expand the network connecting information and finance.

Developing Human Resources and Promoting Diversity

In order to create new value and innovation by allowing our diverse personnel to fully exercise their abilities in a variety of fields, we will promote the development and empowerment of human resources, which represent our most important management resources.

Enhancing Governance

We will enhance our ability to draft and implement strategies for achieving sustainable growth and to provide appropriate supervision of these strategies, all while maintaining transparency. In this manner, we will improve management efficiency and maintain sound management.