The “Working at Rapyuta” series celebrates some of the best minds at Rapyuta Robotics. Through interviews with employees, we bring you the real story that you won’t find elsewhere.
Working at Rapyuta
Takashi Morita – Logistics Solutions Specialist
Joined Rapyuta Robotics in April 2024.
With 22 years of experience at Sagawa Global Logistics Co., Ltd., Takashi managed logistics operations for various clients (3PL), driving operational efficiency and quality improvement to address logistics challenges. Later, as a sales manager, he gained experience in DX (Digital transformation) initiatives for the logistics industry, including the introduction of AMRs and AGVs.
Currently, Takashi serves as a Logistics Solutions Specialist (LSS) and team lead for Rapyuta’s flagship product, the “Rapyuta ASRS” (Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems).
Seeing Rapyuta from a New Perspective: From the Customer Side to the Communicator
Before joining Rapyuta Robotics, I was involved in logistics operations at Sagawa Global Logistics (SGL).
Logistics is a labor-intensive industry that always requires manpower.
Amid declining birthrates and an aging population, I was deeply motivated to explore ways to make logistics more efficient and reduce the burden on workers by automating labor-intensive tasks.
However, at SGL, it was challenging to implement DX initiatives, such as introducing new systems or robots.
Barriers included high initial investment costs, resistance to change, and fundamental differences in mindset, all of which created dilemmas in the adoption process.
During my search for innovative solutions, I encountered Rapyuta’s picking-assist robots (PA-AMR).
When I approached Rapyuta with some requests, they promptly responded with customized product proposals.
I vividly remember being impressed by their technological capabilities and responsiveness.
Although it was a new company with an uncertain track record, I decided to take a chance and proceed with the implementation. with the implementation.
Later, I learned about Rapyuta’s new product, the “Rapyuta ASRS” and was amazed by the innovation. Its groundbreaking design and fresh concepts left me captivated by Rapyuta’s technological strength, creativity, and agile corporate culture.
I felt that Rapyuta was the place where I could achieve what I wanted and leverage my experience, which led me to make the bold decision to join the company.
A Niche Role at Rapyuta: The Specialist Who Knows the Field Best
At Rapyuta, I hold the position of Logistics Solutions Specialist (LSS) in the newly established consulting department for the “Rapyuta ASRS” , an autonomous storage and retrieval system.
The LSS role involves two primary responsibilities.
The first is working alongside field sales, who engage with customers interested in our products by conducting discussions, identifying challenges, and proposing solutions and products.
In this capacity, I contribute to addressing specialized issues, helping customers achieve operational efficiency and quality improvement by thoroughly understanding their current logistics operations, clarifying their challenges, and proposing the most effective approaches for improvement.
The second responsibility involves working with customers after an order is received. This includes proposing detailed operational designs (requirements definition) tailored to the specific deployment. For each customer, I meticulously design precise workflows based on real-world operation scenarios, collaborating with the engineering team to finalize the specifics of the product being implemented. Following this, I work with the project manager to provide support to ensure successful implementation and operation.
The LSS role is crucial in solving challenges faced by logistics sites, supporting customer growth, and maximizing the value of Rapyuta’s products. By utilizing this hands-on, expertise-driven approach, I am confident that this position contributes to innovation and new possibilities within the logistics industry.
Lessons from Challenging Experiences: Grounded, Practical Problem-Solving
The product I am currently in charge of is “Rapyuta ASRS”. It significantly reduces workers’ physical burden, cuts time costs, and greatly improves storage and operational efficiency in warehouses.
What sets this product apart is its flexibility to adapt to various needs, whether it’s warehouse shape (height and scale), workload, manpower, or operations.
While many companies offer pre-packaged solutions, Rapyuta’s ability to provide tailored systems to meet specific site conditions is its greatest strength.
At the same time, the lack of a predefined template requires exceptional proposal, innovation, and technical skills from the company, presenting unique challenges.
This is where my previous experience often proves invaluable.
For example, during my time leading new outsourcing projects at my previous job, switching to a new system brought numerous challenges.
In such situations, I had to quickly assess the circumstances, devise improvement plans, gain on-site consensus, and rebuild operations—all while maintaining trust and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. Although it was tough, these experiences taught me to focus on key points and preemptively mitigate risks, equipping me to handle diverse situations effectively.
In my current role, the process is similar. When visiting a site, I engage with on-site staff to identify current challenges and propose realistic solutions.
Thanks to my previous hands-on experience, I can design ideal and practical operational plans during requirements definition.
Positivity and Perseverance: The Key to Success
Some may feel that LSS work seems demanding. However, I believe that as long as you have basic experience in logistics operations, advanced technical expertise isn’t necessary. What matters most in LSS is understanding the frontlines deeply, crafting proposals tailored to the site’s needs, and effectively communicating and coordinating to execute practical solutions.
Above all, the most critical quality is a “Never-Give-Up Attitude”. Rapyuta fosters a culture where the entire team supports challenges, sharing ideas and working collaboratively to bring them to life. By maintaining a positive outlook and persevering, I believe we can always find a path to fulfill client expectations.
Of course, there may be things we can’t do. In such cases, we communicate openly with clients and propose alternative solutions. With persistence, results will inevitably follow.
The LSS role offers significant autonomy and responsibility, bringing immense rewards and a sense of achievement. For those who can embrace such an environment, it is an ideal fit. If you’re looking to grow and take on new challenges, Rapyuta is the perfect workplace for you.
Towards a Future of Coordinating the Optimal Solutions for Logistics
The LSS team currently consists of three members, but we aim to expand in the future. We hope to work with individuals who are motivated to pursue ambitious goals and confidently tackle challenges with a positive attitude.
Looking ahead, we aspire to become an organization capable of providing comprehensive logistics consulting, with global expansion in mind. While solidifying the areas that Rapyuta products can address, we aim to collaborate with external partners to offer integrated solutions, such as material handling equipment, to optimize overall logistics operations. This vision is a core pillar of our company.
The logistics industry is often perceived as flat and challenging. However, once you delve into its depth, you discover a world full of possibilities, making it an incredibly fascinating field. We aim to hold a high perspective and leverage advanced technologies and robotics to drive innovation and transformation in the industry. At Rapyuta, the environment and opportunities to achieve this vision are abundant. If this article excites you, let’s take on the challenge together!
Conclusion
Rapyuta is still a rising company, but it is driven by speed, with employees embodying its core values and working passionately. With a strong commitment to meeting client needs, everyone works together as one team. The diverse experiences of our team members create an environment where you can grow alongside your peers.
Rapyuta Robotics is looking for new team members!
[Visit the Careers Page Here]
