ANA Holdings has invested in Osaka-based Phoxter Corporation to expand automation across aviation logistics, reported Manila's Aero Time.

The investment was made through ANA's Future Frontier Fund, a JPY 8 billion (US$50.2 million) venture capital fund launched in 2024 with Global Brain Corporation. The fund supports startups in robotics, AI, sustainable aviation fuel, and air mobility.

ANA has already deployed 60 of Phoxter's automated guided vehicles at Narita Airport's largest cargo hub to move freight and reduce congestion. The new investment aims to deepen the partnership and support further automation projects to improve efficiency and safety.

Phoxter, founded in 2017, develops both hardware and control software in-house, tailoring systems for complex environments such as airports and warehouses. Its products include transport automation and AI-powered inspection systems to improve accuracy.

The move reflects Japan's wider challenge of labor shortages in aviation and logistics. ANA stated that investing in automation is part of its long-term strategy to maintain smooth operations as demand for air cargo grows while the workforce shrinks.