Fujitsu and SoftBank Robotics launch AI pilot to standardize appliance packaging assessments

The Home Appliance Supply Chain Council, the Distribution Economics Institute of Japan, Fujitsu Limited, and SoftBank Robotics Corp. have commenced a joint pilot project to standardize criteria for assessing packaging damage in the home appliance industry.

Starting November 2, 2026, the initiative aims to reduce unnecessary product returns, known as 'mochimodori,' where goods are sent back to logistics hubs due to minor cardboard damage even when the product remains intact. Currently, assessment criteria vary by company and often rely on the subjective judgment of onsite staff, leading to inefficiencies.

The project utilizes Fujitsu’s 'Fujitsu Kozuchi' image recognition technology and SoftBank Robotics’ AI solutions to develop a mechanism for objective damage assessment. This effort, supported by a subsidy from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, seeks to improve logistics efficiency and reduce environmental impact across the supply chain.