CJ Logistics has wrapped up its technology competition aimed at unearthing artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms capable of solving real-world logistics challenges. This year’s event saw a fierce competition, with 208 teams vying for the top spot, resulting in a competitive ratio of about 104 to 1.
On Monday, CJ Logistics held an awards ceremony at its headquarters in Seoul’s Jongno district, distributing a total of 20 million KRW (approximately 14,000 USD) in prize money to the two winning teams in each category.
Now in its sixth year, the Future Technology Challenge is a hands-on competition focused on developing AI algorithms to tackle complex issues in the logistics field. The grand prize winners not only receive cash awards but also enjoy the perk of bypassing the initial application screening and first interview round when applying for positions at CJ Logistics.
Since its launch in 2021, the competition has attracted a cumulative total of 1,080 teams and 2,135 participants. Of these, 29 individuals have successfully secured positions at CJ Logistics’ TES Logistics Technology Research Institute through the competition.
This year’s challenges were twofold: Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Video-Based Cargo Object Analysis, which involves recognizing moving cargo and estimating its volume from CCTV footage, and the Random Palletizing Algorithm, aimed at efficiently and safely loading boxes of various sizes and shapes. These tasks were designed to enhance space utilization and productivity in logistics operations, where handling diverse product specifications is a daily reality.
In the CCTV Video-Based Cargo Object Analysis category, the Room 148 team from Kyung Hee University clinched the top prize. They impressed the judges with their algorithm’s ability to consistently identify cargo types and sizes in new footage not used in AI training.
The UOS-RoboStack team from the University of Seoul took home the grand prize in the Random Palletizing Algorithm category. Their solution demonstrated robust performance in stably loading cargo of varying sizes and shapes onto pallets under novel conditions.
CJ Logistics is considering the potential real-world application of these award-winning algorithms in their logistics operations. The company views this competition as more than just an ideas contest; it serves as a pipeline for recruiting tech talent with practical industry knowledge and acquiring cutting-edge logistics automation technologies.
Kim Jeong-hee, director of CJ Logistics’ TES Logistics Technology Research Institute, emphasized that the cornerstone of AI technology competitiveness is securing talent that truly understands the logistics landscape. Through the Future Technology Challenge, it aims to actively identify and nurture AI professionals who can spearhead technological innovation in the logistics sector.