Locix is officially launched

Locix, which provides collection and analysis services for autonomous buildings, today launched out of stealth mode and unveiled a platform that digitises physical space through spatial, visual and sensor data.

Locix’s cloud-based solutions provide visibility and access to the entirety of a space. Leveraging patented technologies, Locix collects visual (images and video), spatial (indoor localisation) and sensor data, providing accurate, contextual inputs for warehouse and logistics operations.

With the data collected, Locix can track space utilisation, monitor assets, remotely monitor and secure areas, and more. In addition to warehouse applications, the technology extends to commercial buildings, factories, hospitals, retail, consumers, and homes. The solution includes:

Locix Visual Sensor: This wireless, low-power sensor captures HD imagery and videos from inside and outside facilities.

Local Positioning System (LPS): The LPS offers sub-meter accurate 3D location tracking in indoor and outdoor facilities through advanced Wi-Fi technology and proprietary algorithms, overcoming non-line-of-sight constraints and multi-path reflections.

Locix Cloud: Open API integrations with deep analytics and machine learning tools are used to analyse visual and spatial data and address logistics challenges in real time.

Locix has successfully completed its Series B funding led by Murata Manufacturing. The company has so far raised more than US$20 million with participation from ID Ventures, University of Tokyo Edge Capital, NTT Docomo Ventures, Acer, iRobot, Yaskawa Information Systems, Yaskawa Electric and Sumitomo Corporation of Americas. Locix will use the recent funding to commercialise and scale its solutions. 

“The area of smart warehouse and logistics is a significant focus of our indoor and outdoor location technology portfolio. We believe the combination of Locix Visual Sensor and its Local Positioning System will help customers streamline and improve their most critical and complex operations,” said Norio Nakajima, Senior Executive VP, Module Business Unit, Murata Manufacturing. “Leading Locix’s Series B financing shows our strong commitment to tackle those areas.”

“The funding led by Murata allows us to accelerate our development, go-to-market strategy and commercially realise this vision — to digitise physical space and allow our customers’ buildings, including warehouses, to be fully realised as strategic assets, and not cost centres,” said Vik Pavate, CEO, Locix.

“Without access to the collection of high-quality visual and precise localisation data and advanced analytics, warehouses will be unable to meet consumer demands in the exploding e-commerce market. Our solutions will directly address this and give logistics operations the necessary tools to make the swiftest and most effective decisions moment-by-moment.” 

Locix separately announced that it will be jointly exhibiting with Prologis at Logis-Tech 2018 in Tokyo, Japan. Logis-Tech, held from September 11-14, is one of the largest material handling and logistics exhibitions in Asia.

Locix’s wireless visual sensor systems have already been deployed at a Prologis distribution centre in Ichikawa, Japan. Prologis leases modern distribution facilities to a diverse base of approximately 5,500 customers across two major categories: business-to-business and retail/online fulfillment. The company owns or has invested in developments in 19 countries.

The Locix-enabled smart truck-berth at the Prologis distribution centre in Japan uses machine learning and analytics to enable real-time warehouse dock insights, intelligent truck docking and routing. The same visual platform can be used for visual space utilisation and forensic analysis.

“Logistics optimisation is becoming increasingly critical as e-commerce growth puts additional pressure on warehouse and logistics operations to fulfill customer demands,” said Mike Yamada, President, Prologis Japan.

“Our Locix partnership enables us to add value to our customers’ operations through data aggregation and visualisation, plus the use of machine learning to deliver actionable analytics and insights.”

“Next-generation distribution centres will require enhanced data sets, extended and cost-effective data capture, and advanced analytics,” said Pavate.

“Our solution is creating a new paradigm in the scalable collection and analysis of unique and actionable data that is essential to improving visibility, productivity and efficiency in warehouse and logistics operations. Partnering with Prologis Japan to revolutionise operations in their distribution centres demonstrates the need and value for our technology and solutions.”