Daio Engineering Co., Ltd.

What Daio Engineering Co., Ltd. does

Daio Engineering Co., Ltd. is a Japanese RFID and industrial-automation solutions provider established in July 1972 and operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daio Paper Corporation, the No. 1 brand in Japan's sanitary paper market. The company employs 637 people (as of July 2023) across a manufacturing factory and technical office in Shikokuchuo, Ehime Prefecture, and a sales office in Toshima, Tokyo. Its core business has evolved from plant engineering into an integrated RFID platform branded SpeeMa, combining proprietary UHF and HF RFID tags (inlay, labels, hard tags, linen tags, liquid- and metal-compatible specialty tags), in-house developed hardware (RFID tag automatic labeling machine per Patent 6484379, SpeeMa Cube reader box, SpeeMa Auto Pack, high-speed encoder), and SpeeMa software (SpeeMa Lite handheld, SpeeMa Home web-based 2025 SaaS, SpeeMa RuxSell). The company is the exclusive Japanese distributor of BALYO's autonomous forklifts (VEENY VNA, REACHY reach, Lowy CB counterbalance), and co-developed the PEER SpeeMa+ RFID-equipped autonomous collaborative robot with GROUND Inc.

The technology stack emphasizes in-house Japanese manufacturing running one of the world's fastest RFID tag production lines, with vertical integration from IC chip procurement (Impinj, NXP, Fujitsu FeRAM) through antenna design to finished label output, all ISO 9001:2015 certified. Differentiated IP includes pending design patents for liquid-compatible (SPMU8718, SPMU9204) and metal-compatible (SPMU3618) RFID tags, and integration of SLAM-based navigation and 3D LiDAR pallet detection in the AFL portfolio. Strategic technology partnerships include Fujitsu Semiconductor Memory Solution (FeRAM chips), FCM Corporation (ultra-thin NFC tags), and BALYO/Impinj/DENSO Wave/KEYENCE/Maspro/Thinkify for hardware.

The business model is direct enterprise sales-led, with no public pricing and all transactions handled via document request, contact form, and consultation. Revenue streams span RFID tag sales, RFID hardware (readers, antennas, printers), SpeeMa software licensing (including the SpeeMa Home SaaS launched April 2025), autonomous forklift sales and integration, and professional services/implementation. Target customers are enterprises in logistics and warehousing, manufacturing (automotive, chemical, plastics), healthcare and medical devices (notably Ship Healthcare/Konishi Medical Instruments), retail/apparel, and libraries/publishing. The GTM motion relies on a content-rich bilingual website (English added August 2024), a regular newsletter, LinkedIn presence, and an aggressive trade show program including TECH Biz EXPO, CEATEC JAPAN, JAPAN PACK, the International Logistics Exhibition (2,200 booth visitors in 2024), RFID Journal Live!, and IOTE Expo China.

Name

Daio Engineering Co., Ltd.

Legal name

Daio Engineering Co., Ltd.

Website

https://rfid.daio-eng.co.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Daio Engineering Co., Ltd. is a Japanese RFID and autonomous-forklift solutions provider and wholly-owned subsidiary of Daio Paper Corporation, offering the proprietary SpeeMa platform (RFID tags, hardware, and software) and BALYO-sourced AFLs to enterprise customers in logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail across Japan and selected overseas markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

RFID Solutions and Industrial Automation

NAICS

Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334290), Electrical Equipment Manufacturing (33531), Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing (335)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Miscellaneous Electrical Machinery, Equipment & Supplies (3690), Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620)

akta.pro primary industry

Meter Installation, Exchange & Field Services (EUADAFAF)

Keywords

• RFID tags
• RFID solutions
• Autonomous forklifts
• Inventory management software
• Asset tracking hardware

Headquarters

HQ city

Shikokuchuo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. RFID Tag Sales: Sale of RFID tags in various forms (inlay, labels, hard tags, linen tags, metal-compatible tags, liquid-compatible tags) manufactured in-house. Tags are available in both HF and UHF frequency bands.
2. RFID Hardware Sales: Sale of readers, writers, antennas, handheld devices, and printers for RFID systems. Includes both proprietary in-house developed hardware and partner-sourced equipment.
3. RFID Software Licensing and Development: Custom software development and licensing of proprietary solutions including SpeeMa Lite, SpeeMa Home, SpeeMa Cube, and traceability systems. Both packaged and custom solutions are offered.
4. Autonomous Forklift (AFL) Sales: Sale of autonomous forklifts including VEENY (VNA type), REACHY (reach truck), and Lowy CB (counterbalance) types, sourced from BALYO. Includes installation and setup services.
5. Professional Services and Consulting: Implementation support, consulting, custom design, and ongoing maintenance services for RFID system deployments. Includes demonstration experiments, requirements definition, design, development, testing, and ongoing operations.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Daio Engineering designs, manufactures and sells integrated RFID solutions under the SpeeMa brand—comprising in-house produced HF/UHF RFID tags (including specialty tags for liquids, metals, harsh environments and linen), proprietary RFID hardware and software, and BALYO-sourced autonomous forklifts. Offerings are sold to Japanese enterprise customers in logistics, manufacturing, healthcare and retail, supported by implementation consulting and ongoing services. Production, including IC chip procurement and antenna design, is performed at the company's ISO 9001:2015 certified factory in Shikokuchuo, Ehime.

Product overview

Daio Engineering Co., Ltd. offers SpeeMa, a comprehensive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) solution platform combining tags, hardware, and software. The product portfolio includes: (1) RFID Tags - UHF labels (SPMU series for standard, liquid-compatible, and metal-ready applications), HF labels (SPMH series), specialty tags (Linen tags for laundry, Hard tags for harsh environments, Metal-ready tags, Index type tags), and paper-based Eco Label; (2) Hardware - SpeeMa Cube reader box, SpeeMa Auto Pack automatic packaging machine, High-Speed RFID Encoder, RFID Tag Automatic Affixing Machine (patent registered), and SP1 handheld UHF reader; (3) Software - SpeeMa Lite for handheld inventory management, SpeeMa Home web-based inventory management (2025 launch), and SpeeMa RuxSell event sales system; (4) Robotics - PEER SpeeMa+ autonomous collaborative robot with RFID, and BALYO-sourced autonomous forklifts (VEENY VNA, REACHY reach truck, Lowy CB counterbalance). The company maintains in-house design, development, and manufacturing capabilities in Japan with ISO 9001:2015 certification.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SpeeMa: RFID solution service brand encompassing RFID tags, hardware, and software for inventory management, traceability, and operational efficiency.
• SpeeMa Lite
• SpeeMa Home
• SpeeMa Eco Label
• PEER SpeeMa+
• SpeeMa Auto Pack
• SpeeMa Cube

Products and services

• SpeeMa (RFID solution service) Integrated RFID solution service brand encompassing in-house produced RFID tags, hardware and software for inventory management and traceability, sold to enterprise customers in logistics, manufacturing, healthcare and retail.
• SpeeMa Lite RFID handheld-reader inventory management software for smartphones with three operation modes (high-speed bulk reading, long-distance reading, reading through sealed packaging), reported to reduce inventory work time by 50% versus conventional methods.
• SpeeMa Home Web-based RFID inventory management package software launched April 2025, developed in compliance with GS1 standards for traceability and supply-chain efficiency; runs in a web browser with no installation required and simple RFID-reader setup.
• SpeeMa Auto Pack Automatic individual packaging and IC tag affixing machine for medical materials that automatically adjusts bag size, packages products and applies RFID tags in a single unit; supports automatic tray exchange with product data linkage.
• SpeeMa Cube RFID reader box for targeted, high-precision reading of specific items using dual internal antennas and a handle-swing mechanism; combinable with SpeeMa RuxSell for checkout and retail point-of-sale applications.
• SpeeMa RuxSell RFID-based event venue sales system for streamlining point-of-sale operations at events and retail locations, enabling fast product identification and checkout.
• PEER SpeeMa+ RFID reader-equipped autonomous collaborative robot co-developed with GROUND Inc.; uses SLAM navigation to move autonomously to product locations, display items for picking, recognize picks via RFID tags and transport them to the packing area.
• RFID Tag Automatic Affixing Machine Patent-registered (Japan Patent No. 6484379) machine that automatically affixes RFID tags based on product size using proprietary encoding and image-recognition technology, supporting small-lot multi-item production.
• High-Speed RFID Encoder Ultra-high-speed encoder for processing tags and labels produced on Daio Engineering's fastest-class manufacturing line, performing variable data printing, encoding, defect inspection and die-cutting.
• VEENY VNA Autonomous Forklift Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) autonomous forklift operating in 1.8m-wide aisles and handling pallets up to 17m height; uses SLAM-based self-positioning with no guides or reflectors required, dual auto/manual operation mode, max load 1,500kg.
• REACHY Reach Forklift Autonomous reach forklift for storing and retrieving pallets from floor level to 11m racks; max load 1,600kg, operates in 2.9m aisles, supports automatic charging via docking station.
• Lowy CB Counterbalance Forklift Autonomous counterbalance forklift for storing pallets up to 3.8m height; SLAM-based guide-free operation, max load 4,011kg with 800x1200mm pallets.
• UHF RFID Label SPMU Series Standard UHF RFID label family (SPMU series) covering multiple antenna sizes (70x14mm, 42x16mm, 30x11mm) with NXP UCODE8 chips and read ranges from 3.5m to 17m for logistics, retail, apparel, inventory control and medical SPD applications.
• SPMU8718 Liquid-Compatible UHF RFID Label Patented antenna-design UHF RFID label engineered for stable reading on liquid-containing containers, with 87x18mm antenna and free-space / PET read ranges of 14m / 4m for retail and inventory management involving liquids.
• SPMU9204 Liquid/Document UHF RFID Label Liquid- and document-compatible UHF RFID label (SPMU9204) for books, documents, libraries and materials management, with 92.5x4.5mm antenna and 8m / 4m free-space / PET read ranges.
• SPMU3618 Index-Type Metal-Ready RFID Tag Index-type UHF RFID tag with patented design that leverages the metal surface as part of the antenna by protruding from the metal edge, delivering stable communication in metal environments (free read 5m, stainless-steel read 17.5m).
• Metal-Ready RFID Tags Specialty RFID tags for metal environments featuring antennas that minimize metal interference with built-in spacers, available in various shapes and sizes.
• SPMH3522V HF RFID Label HF-band RFID label (45x30mm label, 2,528-bit memory, NXP ICODE SLIX2 chip) for retail, inventory control and brand protection.
• Hard Tags Rugged RFID tags for harsh environments with waterproof/dustproof, heat- and chemical-resistant construction, suited to factory equipment management, construction materials and pallet/container tracking.
• Linen Tags Thin, flexible specialty RFID tags designed for laundry and textile management with durability against washing, drying and ironing, supporting bulk reading for inbound/outbound and inventory operations.
• Index Type RFID Tags Index-type RFID tags for mounting on metal surfaces with the tag protruding from the metal edge, leveraging the metal edge to capture radio wave energy efficiently.
• SpeeMa Eco Label Paper-based, environmentally-friendly RFID label that does not use plastic film; part of the SpeeMa solution service lineup.
• FeRAM RFID Tags RFID tags equipped with FeRAM (Ferroelectric Random-Access Memory) from Fujitsu Semiconductor Memory Solutions, offering faster writes, higher rewrite cycles, lower power consumption and higher radiation resistance than standard EEPROM-based tags.
• Ultra-Thin NFC Tags Ultra-thin, ultra-small NFC tags co-developed with FCM Corporation using FCM's proprietary manufacturing process that produces finer antenna patterns than conventional aluminum etching, available in 7x7mm (NXP NTAG 213) and 16x16mm (NXP ICODE SLIX2) variants.

Quantifiable outcome

• Inventory work time reduced by 50% using SpeeMa Lite
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature12 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• 富士通セミコンダクターメモリソリューション株式会社 (Fujitsu Semiconductor Memory Solution)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 July 2022Daio Engineering incorporates Fujitsu Semiconductor Memory Solution's FeRAM (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory) chips into its SpeeMa RFID tag lineup. FeRAM offers faster writing, higher rewrite cycles, lower power consumption, and higher radiation resistance compared to standard EEPROM-based RFID chips.
• FCM株式会社 (FCM Corporation)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2021Daio Engineering and FCM co-developed ultra-thin ultra-small NFC tags. FCM's proprietary manufacturing process creates finer antenna patterns than conventional aluminum etching, enabling ultra-small tag sizes. Daio Engineering contributed high-speed mounting technology for efficient and precise IC chip implementation.
• GROUND株式会社 (GROUND Inc.)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2021Daio Engineering and GROUND co-developed 'PEER SpeeMa+', an RFID-equipped autonomous collaborative robot for warehouse picking operations. GROUND contributed SLAM technology and logistics expertise while Daio Engineering provided RFID system integration. The robot was first deployed at Konishi Medical Instruments' Osaka Solution Center in March 2021.
• BALYOcoreTechnology or IntegrationBALYO (France) manufactures autonomous forklifts (AFL) that Daio Engineering imports, installs, and resells in Japan. Daio Engineering serves as the exclusive Japanese partner for BALYO's AFL products including VEENY (VNA), REACHY (reach truck), and Lowy CB (counterbalance) models.
• 株式会社ローソン (Lawson Inc.)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDaio Engineering exhibited its RFID tag automatic labeling machine at the CEATEC JAPAN 2018 event within the Lawson booth, demonstrating the technology to a large audience of industry professionals.
• シップヘルスケアホールディングス株式会社 (Ship Healthcare Holdings)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerShip Healthcare Holdings' group company Konishi Medical Instruments deployed PEER SpeeMa+ and SpeeMa Auto Pack at their new Osaka Solution Center, representing the first deployment of Daio Engineering's RFID picking robot in a medical logistics environment.
• エリエールテクセル株式会社 (Eliere Texcel Co., Ltd.)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEliere Texcel is a group company within the Daio Paper Group that was exhibited alongside Daio Engineering's RFID solutions at TECH Biz EXPO 2025. The company produces various adhesive products including environmentally-friendly tack papers and healthcare-focused adhesive products, and serves as a distribution and exhibition channel for Daio Engineering's solutions.
• 大王製紙株式会社 (Daio Paper Corporation)coreOthersDaio Engineering is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daio Paper Corporation. The parent company provides business opportunities, financial backing, and shared resources including paper materials for RFID tag production. Daio Paper achieved #1 market share in Japan's sanitary paper market and operates 24 domestic and 8 international sites.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• HID Global: Identity and RFID/NFC solutions provider (subsidiary of Assa Abloy) offering RFID tags, readers, and software for access control, asset tracking, and logistics. Overlaps with Daio Engineering in RFID hardware and software for industrial and healthcare use cases.
• Avery Dennison Corporation: Global leader in RFID inlays and labels (post-Smartrac acquisition) and a broad labeling and materials science conglomerate. Competes with Daio Engineering's tag and label business worldwide and offers significantly broader product portfolio and geographic reach.
• Zebra Technologies Corporation: Global enterprise asset intelligence and RFID hardware/reader leader, including fixed readers, handheld readers, printers, and RFID software. Competes with Daio Engineering's RFID hardware business and serves overlapping retail, logistics, and healthcare verticals.

Direct peers

• Daifuku Co., Ltd. Japanese global leader in materials handling systems including conveyors, automated storage, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Directly comparable to Daio Engineering's autonomous forklift business for warehouse and distribution center automation customers.
• Confidex: Finland-based specialist manufacturer of high-performance RFID tags for industrial, logistics, and transportation applications. Closest direct peer to Daio Engineering's specialty tag portfolio (hard tags, metal-ready, linen, vehicle).
• Sato Holdings Corporation: Japanese-headquartered global leader in barcode and RFID labeling solutions, printers, and integrated enterprise labeling. Directly competes with Daio Engineering's SpeeMa RFID solution portfolio in Japan and shares the same enterprise sales motion into manufacturing, logistics, and retail.
• BALYO SA: France-based autonomous forklift OEM whose VEENY VNA, REACHY, and Lowy CB products Daio Engineering resells and integrates in Japan. Direct peer in the autonomous forklift category and an explicit commercial partner to Daio Engineering's AFL business.
• Impinj, Inc. U.S.-based UHF RFID chip and endpoint IC supplier (UCODE8, Monza R6) whose chips Daio Engineering uses in its inlay products. Impinj also offers readers and software, making it both a partner and a competitor at the system level.
• Toppan Inc. Large Japanese printing and electronics conglomerate with a meaningful RFID tag and inlay business serving security, logistics, and IoT applications. Competes with Daio Engineering in UHF/HF tag manufacturing and serves overlapping enterprise customers in Japan.

Emerging players

• Identiv, Inc. U.S.-based provider of RFID/NFC and IoT solutions including specialty tags, readers, and software. Niche but directly comparable to Daio Engineering in specialty tag offerings and traceability/identity software for healthcare, retail, and logistics verticals.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/daio-eng

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Daio Engineering Co., Ltd.