LexxPluss Signed Capital and Business Alliance Agreement with Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc.

Aiming to Build and Provide Robotic Services to Automate and Streamline Transport Operations in the Logistics and Manufacturing Sectors.

Kawasaki, Japan – Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc. (President and CEO: Hiroki Hisai, hereinafter “Mitsubishi HC Capital”) and LexxPluss, Inc. (CEO: Masaya Asou, hereinafter “LexxPluss”) have entered into a capital and business alliance (hereinafter “the Alliance”) aimed at enhancing automation and operational efficiency in the logistics and manufacturing sectors.

Based on this partnership, the two companies plan to establish subscription-based robotic services, providing a complete solution from initial consultation to ongoing maintenance.

1. Background

In recent years, various industries have turned to robotics as a solution to address the growing social challenge of labor shortages. Automation and productivity enhancements through the use of robots are highly anticipated. This is especially true in the logistics and manufacturing sectors, where labor shortages are expected to intensify due to the impending “2024 problem.” As a result, there is an increasing demand for automating and streamlining transport operations in distribution centers and factories.

2. Overview

Under this alliance, the two companies will work together in the indoor transport field to provide customers with easy access to autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) by offering consulting services from the planning and design of robot-assisted operations, performance simulations, and the creation of a robot-friendly (*1) environment to post-installation support, all packaged in a subscription-based robot service.

LexxPluss offers automated transport solutions that integrate with existing factory and warehouse equipment, allowing robots to operate alongside human workers. Their robots are the only ones in Japan equipped with both AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) technology, which autonomously detects and avoids obstacles like self-driving vehicles, and AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) technology, which ensures repeatable precision (*2) and work speed. This dual capability enables flexible operations.

Mitsubishi HC Capital will not only coordinate the overall service model but also provide essential maintenance and peripheral functions required to establish the robot service, delivering a comprehensive solution beyond mere financing.

As robotic service providers, both companies will contribute to the automation and streamlining of indoor transport tasks by offering optimal robotic solutions tailored to customer needs and challenges.

Mitsubishi HC Capital established a “Robotics Business Development Department (*3)” in April 2024 to accelerate the development and promotion of new businesses in the robotics field. Moving forward, leveraging their strengths in collaboration with partners and solution-building capabilities, they aim to lead the industry as a robotic service provider, helping solve social challenges like labor shortages.

This alliance utilizes Mitsubishi HC Capital’s “Innovation Investment Fund (*4),” which is designed to create new services and promote the development of new businesses through open innovation with startups.

Notes: *1: A robot-friendly environment refers to one that is conducive to the introduction of robots.

*2: Precision refers to the accuracy of stopping at the designated location after traveling straight.

*3: Refer to the press release dated February 9, 2024, “Establishment of Internal Specialist Organization for Strengthening and Expanding Robotics Business”:
https://www.mitsubishi-hc-capital.com/investors/library/pressrelease/pdf/2024020901.pdf

https://www.mitsubishi-hc-capital.com/investors/library/pressrelease/pdf/2024020901.pdf

*4: Refer to the press release dated June 8, 2023, “Creation of 10 Billion Yen Innovation Investment Fund”:
https://www.mitsubishi-hc-capital.com/investors/library/pressrelease/pdf/2023060801.pdf

https://www.mitsubishi-hc-capital.com/investors/library/pressrelease/pdf/2023060801.pdf

■ About Mitsubishi HC Capital Group

The Mitsubishi HC Capital Group, guided by the vision of being “Innovators Challenging an Unexplored Future Together,” strives to maximize the potential value of tangible and intangible assets, while developing services and business management practices to evolve and layer their business models.

By constantly adapting to the changing needs of society and customers, and by developing unique, proactive business models with an eye on environmental sustainability, Mitsubishi HC Capital Group aims to create a brighter, more hopeful future and contribute to enriching lives.

For more details, please visit the Mitsubishi HC Capital website: https://www.mitsubishi-hc-capital.com/english/

https://www.mitsubishi-hc-capital.com

■ About LexxPluss Inc.

LexxPluss Inc. is a startup with the mission of “accelerating the evolution towards autonomous industrial infrastructure.” The company is dedicated to solving challenges faced by Japan’s logistics and manufacturing industries, which are essential to the country’s infrastructure. Currently, LexxPluss develops, manufactures, and sells robotics and automation products that will form the next-generation industrial infrastructure, including the “Lexx500” autonomous mobile robot and the “LexxFleet” robot integration control system.

Website： https://www.lexxpluss.com/

SNS　　　 ： https://x.com/LexxPluss

LinkedIn ：https://www.linkedin.com/company/lexxpluss/

■ Contact

Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc. Corporate Communications Department 1-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-6525, Japan TEL: +81-3-6865-3002 (Direct Line)

LexxPluss Inc. 18th Floor, Kawasaki Ekimae Tower Riverk, 12-1 Ekimae Honcho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan Email: pr@lexxpluss.com