Achieving the Right Balance: Powerful Automation from the Southern Alps

In Yamanashi Prefecture's Southern Alps city, two local firms have teamed up to address a common concern in manufacturing: the need for flexible, human-friendly automation solutions. As voices from the industry have pointed out, total automation is often impractical - thus, they offer an alternative that enhances productivity without overwhelming workers. This collaboration led to the creation of the "Collaborative System," which efficiently integrates collaborative robots and advanced lifting technology.

1. Addressing Real-World Challenges with Practical Automation

For many small to medium-sized manufacturing operations, deploying completely automated equipment is challenging due to costs, space restrictions, and setup difficulties. Instead, manufacturers desire to automate processes without losing the human touch. The collaborative system promises a practical solution that strikes the right balance between automation and human involvement while increasing productivity.

2. Fusion of Control and Lifting Technologies

Kaida Dialog System Co., known for its expertise in FA device design, production, control software, and collaborative robot teaching, partners with Toyo Koken Co., a veteran manufacturer of lifting machinery. Together, they have created a system that revolutionizes the capabilities of collaborative robots and expands their lifting range with Toyo Koken’s patented "Ultra Baraman" balance control. This unique combination results in a compact, safe automation system that fits into limited spaces while ensuring excellent operational efficiency.

Short Video: Features of the Ultra Baraman

3. Successful Implementation and Results

The collaborative system can stabilize the transportation of long workpieces weighing up to 35 kg. This remarkable combination reduces manual processing time by up to 80%, enhancing production capacity by about 1.5 times. Notably, applications involving lifting weights up to 80 kg have been successfully accomplished, and plans are underway to facilitate the transport of even heavier items exceeding 300 kg in the near future.

4. Three Key Benefits of Practical Automation

- Cost-effective Automation: It minimizes the need for large, expensive equipment, allowing for the introduction of compact, safety fence-free automation systems tailored to existing workflows. In some cases, workers’ tasks were reduced by as much as 80%.
- Safe Collaboration: The collaborative robots and balance technology are designed to work safely alongside human operators, promoting a coexistence that enhances workplace safety.
- Scalable Flexibility: Featuring modular designs, future functional expansions and production line adaptations can easily accommodate evolving needs.

For further inquiries about the collaborative system and detailed explanations, feel free to reach out through the contact form or give us a call - we’re here to help!

Conclusion

Born from the collaboration of Yamanashi’s local companies, this system emerges as a solution to pressing challenges, such as labor shortages and an aging workforce in manufacturing. The journey to achieving “the right automation” continues, paving the way for the future of manufacturing in the Southern Alps.

Company Overview

- Company Name: Toyo Koken Co., Ltd.
- CEO: Kazuhito Watanabe
- Headquarters:

- Tokyo Office (Sales & Management)
2-11-1 Minami-Suna, Koto-ku, Tokyo 136-8666 TEL: 03-5857-3161
- Yamanashi Office (Design, Development & Manufacturing)
301 Miyazawa, Minami-Alps City, Yamanashi 400-0415

- Business Activities: Development, manufacturing, and sales of automation equipment for construction, manufacturing, and civil engineering sites.
- Website: Toyokoken
- Social Media: X | YouTube