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Our Journey — Est. 2015

Our Journey

Transforming Logistics Through Technology

A decade of pioneering the future of logistics with robotics and AI.
From startup to leading logistics DX company.

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The logistics industry has long faced structural challenges: labor shortages and manual operations. GROUND was founded to solve these from the ground up with AI, mathematical optimization, and robotics.

Starting with overseas robot distribution, then pivoting to proprietary AI software development, and culminating in the creation of GWES — an integrated logistics facility management system. This decade-long journey is the story of logistics DX itself.

Chapter 0
2012–14
Prehistory — Seeds of Innovation
Amazon's major robotics acquisition. Japan begins exploring warehouse robotics. The seeds that would grow into GROUND.
2012
Amazon Acquires Kiva Systems for $775M
The dawn of an era where robotics becomes central to warehouse operations. It became clear that Japan's logistics industry needed similar technological innovation.
INDUSTRY
2012–2014
Rakuten Logistics Co-develops Logistics Robots with Hitachi
After extensive prototyping, "Racrew" was unveiled in 2014. The practical application of logistics robotics in Japan had begun. This experience and knowledge would later lead to the founding of GROUND.
PREHISTORY
Chapter 1
2015–19
Foundation & Challenge
A logistics tech company is born. Bringing Indian robots to Japan. From overseas partnerships to the decision to develop proprietary AI software.
2015.04
GROUND Inc. Founded
Established to realize "Intelligent Logistics" through the fusion of technology and logistics. Launched as a Japan-based logistics tech company, drawing on Rakuten Logistics experience and the global robotics wave.
FOUNDING
2016.01
Founding Press Conference — GreyOrange Partnership Announcement
At the founding press conference in January 2016, GROUND simultaneously announced the strategic partnership with GreyOrange. Former Sony President & Chairman Nobuyuki Idei joined as advisor, broadcasting GROUND's vision to the world. The partnership secured exclusive distribution rights for Butler® logistics robots in Japan, marking the start of Japan's robot logistics revolution.
With Nobuyuki Idei Founding Press Conference Reception
MILESTONE
2016.05
Strategic Partnership with Okamura
Strategic partnership with Okamura, a leading office and logistics equipment company. Began joint promotion of logistics system business using robot technology. The beginning of a relationship that would strengthen dramatically eight years later.
PARTNERSHIP
2017.06
Strategic Alliance with Daiwa House Industry
Strategic partnership with Daiwa House Industry, a leader in logistics facilities. Received 1 billion yen investment to accelerate robot adoption in logistics facilities.
FUNDING
2017.12
Butler® First Domestic Deployment — Nitori Group
Logistics robots "Butler®" began operation at Nitori Group's logistics center. A historic milestone marking Japan's new era of logistics robotics.
DEPLOYMENT

Robot deployment alone cannot solve logistics' fundamental challenges. We need the power of software to optimize entire warehouses.

2018.07
DyAS AI Logistics Software Pilot Program
Began DyAS pilot program at a major logistics center. Focused on inventory placement and workforce optimization, marking the critical transition from robot company to software company.
PRODUCT
2018.08
AMR Prototype Completion — China TECHHUB Base
AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) prototype completed at China's TECHHUB innovation center. Establishing a global robotics technology development network.
PARTNERSHIP
2019.03
DyAS Patent Acquired & AMR Robots Deployed
AI logistics software "DyAS" inventory placement optimization algorithm awarded patent. In July, deployed AMR robots at Diamond Head.
PRODUCT
2019.08
Series B Funding Round: 1.71 Billion Yen
Raised 1.71 billion yen from INCJ, Sony Innovation Fund, Sapphire Capital, JA Mitsui Lease, and others.
Series B Funding - With Investors FUNDING
2019.11
Thailand MOU Signing Ceremony
Historic MOU signing at the Residence of the Ambassador of Japan. GROUND's first step toward Southeast Asian expansion and Japan-Thailand collaboration.
PARTNERSHIP
Chapter 2
2020–23
Evolution to Software Company
Building on robot deployment experience, DyAS officially launches. Then its evolution: GWES is born as an integrated logistics facility management system.
2020.06
Logistics Ecosystem with Japan Unisys / PEER Launch
Announced logistics ecosystem joint venture with Japan Unisys (now BIPROGY). Launched the autonomous collaborative robot "PEER" assessment program.
PRODUCT
2020
5th Anniversary
The GROUND team at the 5th anniversary milestone. A pivotal year marking the transformation from robot deployment to AI software development.
MILESTONE
2020.09
DyAS AI Software Official Launch
Officially released proprietary AI logistics software "DyAS." Patented algorithms enable inventory placement and resource allocation optimization. A major turning point from robot company to software company.
PRODUCT
2021.06
GWES Official Launch — The Logistics OS
Evolving from DyAS, the integrated logistics facility management system "GWES" officially launches. Comprising 12 modules, this "Logistics OS" becomes GROUND's core product.
PRODUCT
2022.01
Autobacs Seven Partnership
Partnership with automotive aftermarket leader Autobacs Seven for logistics optimization. Bringing GWES to retail logistics operations.
Autobacs Handshake PARTNERSHIP

GWES is not just software. As a logistics facility OS, it's a platform that optimizes human-robot collaboration.

Chapter 3
2024–
Growth Phase
Deepened partnership with Okamura and new management structure. Accelerating deployments at major enterprises including Nippon Express and Kao. The challenge toward 1,000 sites begins.
2024.03
Strengthened Alliance with Okamura
INCJ transferred all shares to Okamura. A relationship that began 8 years ago deepens into a stronger bond. New management structure built for the next decade.
ORGANIZATION
2024.04
GWES Adopted for Nippon Express "NX-GLOW"
GWES adopted for "NX-GLOW," the global standard warehouse management system of Nippon Express, one of Japan's largest logistics companies. Global-scale GWES deployment begins.
DEPLOYMENT
2024.06
GWES Rollout Across Kao's 44 Nationwide Sites
GWES deployment begins at consumer goods leader Kao's logistics centers. Starting with Hachioji LC, planned expansion to all 44 sites by end of 2025.
DEPLOYMENT
2025.04
10th Anniversary Celebration
Ten years since founding in April 2015. Team members, partners, and supporters gathered to reflect on the journey and share our vision for the next decade.
MILESTONE
2026.02
GWES Surpasses 100 Deployment Sites
GWES deployment sites surpass 100 nationwide. The platform continues to grow as a decision-support system for logistics facility managers through visualization and optimization.
MILESTONE
∞

Let's write the next
decade, together.

This decade has been merely the prologue of a greater challenge.
GWES deployments will reach 1,000 sites and expand globally.
Together with technology and people, we continue to transform logistics.

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