Prox Industries and Toyokanets Begin Automation in Welding Using AI Technology

Revolutionizing Welding with AI: A Partnership Between Prox Industries and Toyokanets

In a significant advancement for the manufacturing sector, Prox Industries, an AI startup based in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, has initiated a collaboration with Toyokanets Co., Ltd., headquartered in Koto-ku, Tokyo. This partnership aims to automate welding processes through innovative applications of AI image recognition technology, marking a notable step towards the digital transformation of manufacturing (DX).

The Context of the Project

Toyokanets has long been at the forefront of construction and manufacturing, particularly in the realm of liquefied gas tank installation. The company has successfully automated certain aspects of the welding process, including drive mechanisms and wire feeding. However, challenges still linger in the fine-tuning of parameters during arc welding, as each tank has unique shapes that hinder standardization. This has resulted in a reliance on skilled welders to make crucial adjustments, which poses a challenge given the aging workforce and labor shortages in this field.

Enter Prox Industries, leveraging its advanced AI and rule-based image recognition techniques to resolve these issues. Their technology monitors the magnetic blow phenomenon in the welding arc in real-time, automating the previously manual adjustments made by experienced technicians. This innovation is expected to enhance the consistency of the final product, reduce the dependency on specialized skills, decrease labor costs, and lessen the overall workload for workers in the field.

Insights from Leadership

Yuji Kamie, CEO of Prox Industries, expressed his excitement about this partnership: "We are honored to collaborate with Toyokanets, a company with vast expertise and technical prowess, in addressing advanced on-site challenges in the highly specialized field of liquefied gas tank construction. Recently, the manufacturing and construction sectors in Japan have been grappling with issues arising from an aging workforce and a shortage of skilled labor, making our project increasingly vital. Through this initiative, we aim to support knowledge formalization and automation of tasks, contributing to sustainable practices and improved productivity in the field."

On the other hand, Toyokanets has a reputation for excellence, having been established in 1941, and continues to evolve in the construction industry. Under the leadership of President Yoshinori Owada, the company remains committed to enhancing productivity and technological integration within its operations.

About Prox Industries

Prox Industries operates with the mission of making Japan the leader in manufacturing. This AI and robotics vendor utilizes research developed at the University of Tokyo to support digital transformation and R&D in Japan's manufacturing industries. Their solutions implement cutting-edge technologies, including image recognition, predictive maintenance, mathematical optimization, and physical AI. Prox Industries not only conducts technology validation (PoC) but also offers comprehensive support from requirements definition to development, implementation, operation, and maintenance.

How to Get Involved

Currently, Prox Industries is actively recruiting talent to support its growth. Interested candidates can find more information about various positions available, including Project Managers, AI Engineers, Robotics Engineers, and Software Engineers, through the following links:

This innovative partnership between Prox Industries and Toyokanets signals a new era in welding automation, effectively addressing labor shortages while enhancing productivity and quality, paving the way for a more sustainable future in manufacturing.