Japan introduces robotic solutions for efficiency at work

Yamaha Motors recently exhibited various robot applications that have been customised to adopt to multiple manufacturing requirements.

The exhibits were presented at the iREX 2015 - International Robot Exhibition in Tokyo.

Applications of industrial robots are widespread and manufacturing companies are introducing robotic solutions for cost reduction and quality improvements of the products.

To this demand, Yamaha Motors produces a wide range of industrial robots from single-axis robots to SCARA robots, Cartesian coordinate robots and multi-axis vertically articulated robots.

Naoki Saitou, Robot Sales Group, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., "The robot in the middle that is working to sort transfer between palettes, is a SCARA robot. The characteristic of the SCARA robot is it's quick movement on the horizontal direction."

These two are the multi-axis vertically articulated robots,that are working to pass the palettes. This work requires a flexible movement.

Saitou further said, "The breakthrough of this linear conveyer robot is developed performance of assemble products on the conveyance line in very high-speed."

Conventionally, assemble work was handled separately from the conveyance line.

This solution solved the issue of separate assemble work, and it saves space and time.

He added, "The manufacturing process has changed to automation in south east Asia. Yamaha Motor established our direct business office in Singapore to support the south east Asia regions."

Mitsubishi Electric has developed a precise force acceleration with the visual sensor for the Industrial robots applied to assembly.

The company showcases an entertainment demonstration with their robot, playing Kendama - a traditional Japanese skill toy.

Playing the Kendama toy needs a practice - It requires hand-eye coordination, balance and focus.

Mitsubishi Electric used the Kendama to demonstrate the measure of accuracy, agility, and learning ability in robotic arms.

Taku Towatari, an official attached with the Industrial Products Marketing Division of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, said, "Vision sensors and force acceleration sensors are the precise techniques utilized in assembly and mating process in manufacturing. Assembly work requires a high-level of precision. We choose Kendama to demonstrate our technology coordinations in robots."

Towatari added, "Conventionally, robot system was built enclosed in fences. When I enter to the yellow zone, the robot starts to slow down. When I enter to the red zone, the robot stops. We realized the co-working space environment of people and robots, utilizing the safety function and sensor technology of the robotics."

In modern times, robots are being used to carry out various sensitive works.