2018-Ⅱ
Photo taken on May 11, 2018

Exhibition to Present New Products
On April 17 and 18, FANUC hosted an exhibition to present new products at the Nature Hall located on the campus of ourheadquarters. The exhibition was blessed with fine weather this year and attracted a record high of over 8,600 guests. At
the exhibition, we presented products that our company offers based on our latest technologies. For example, we exhibited
FANUC's IoT function for driving machines at customers' production sites intelligently and efficiently by adding the "Drive"function to the "Connect," "Visualize," and "Think" functions. We also exhibited FANUC's AI function that has started to be
used in FA, robots, and ROBOMACHINEs as well as the QSSR (Quick & Simple Startup of Robotization) function to connect
a machine tool and a robot quickly and easily.

In the area of FANUC's IoT, that is, FIELD system, many customers commented that they wanted to immediately start using

iPMA, an operation monitoring application, to visualize changing points that lead to defects and age deterioration withextensive data analysis functions as well as the further evolved iZDT function, which also supports remote maintenanceusing collected data.
FANUC's AI function received a very high evaluation as it has been put into practice in application after application such as
thermal displacement compensation, servo tuning, failure prognosis for spindle motors, robot path control, and bin picking apps.

In the FA area, we exhibited our fast cycle time technology, which consists of the culmination of our technologies for
reducing cycle time, fine surface technologies providing the high-grade machining required for smartphones and moldprocessing, and smart machine control, which supports these technologies, and received attention from many customers.
The robot area was always crowded, demonstrating just how interested visitors are in automation and robotization.
Popular exhibits included the lineup of SCARA robots, the high-speed, high-precision assembly work, the collaborative
robot that has a larger application range by being mounted on an AGV, a smaller 3D vision sensor that now supports highspeed processing, and a Super Heavy Payload Robot including a demonstration of its application to the aerospace industry.
In the ROBOMACHINE area, exhibits of the AI functions including thermal displacement compensation in an actualmachine, the QSSR function which supports implementation of robot systems, the LINKi function that monitors theoperating status of machines, the iHMI function that controls peripheral equipment, actual machining with a ROBONANO,
which specializes in nano-tech machining and supports a wide range of applications from ultra-precision machining ofmolds for optical parts of automobiles to ultrafine machining of watch parts, and many other exhibits, won great
popularity. We received many detailed inquiries about practical application.
2

In addition, many customers also saw the exhibit of the extensive user support functions of the new FANUC service
website and visited the area to introduce the new FANUC ACADEMY. We received many inquiries about website
subscriptions and attending training sessions.
【Key exhibits】
one FANUCFIELD system"Connect, Visualize, Think, and Drive" @Production site
FANUC's AI
AI for FA, robots, ROBOMACHINEs, and FIELD system immediately useful on site.
QSSR
Easy connection between machine tools or robomachines and robots
FA
CNC and servo technologies for high-grade machining
Fine surface technologies
CNC and servo technologies for cycle time reduction
Fast cycle time technologies
Control optimization according to changes in the machine status
Smart machine control
iHMI and extensive applications
Total support for tasks in the workshop
Industrial PC with high performance and high reliability
PANEL iH Pro
Preventive maintenance for the CNC system
Failure prognosis function for CNCs, motors, and amplifiers
Quick visualization connecting factory facilities
MT-LINKi
Accurate estimation of the machining time of each machine
FIELD machining time estimation function
Laser system to realize a high-speed, high-precision
FIBER LASER FFi-A series, Series 30i/31i-LB
machine tool
Laser welding/cutting robot system
FIBER LASER FFi-A series + FANUC Robot
Robot
Small collaborative robot mounted on an AGV
CR-7iA/L
Setup system with 3D vision sensor
CR-15iA, 3D vision sensor
Collaborative assembly work by a collaborative robot andCR-35iA
worker
Arc welding robot system
ARC Mate 100iD, ARC Mate 120iD
3D visual tracking system
LR Mate 200iD, 3D vision sensor
Advance setup system using the 3D vision sensor
M-20iB/25, 3D vision sensor
Introduction and application examples of SCARA robots
SR-3iA, SR-6iA
Automotive inner plate painting system
P-1000iA, P-35iA
Part washing system using a washing robot
R-2000iC/210WE, LR Mate 200iD/7WP
Maintenance, troubleshooting, and application
ZDT (zero downtime), ROBOGUIDE
examination functions
ROBOMACHINEROBODRILL α -DiB series + FANUC Robot
Machining system with ROBODRILL + robot
Precision molding system with ROBOSHOT + robot
ROBOSHOT α -SiA series + FANUC Robot
Machining system with ROBOCUT + robot
ROBOCUT α -CiB series + FANUC Robot
ROBONANO for machining with better usability and
ROBONANO α -NMiA
operating rate3

2018 Round-Table Talk

On April 20, we invited professors and researchers who provide us with continued support to look at new products at theexhibition and later hosted a round-table talk.
Attendees
Toshiro Higuchi

Professor Emeritus of the
University of Tokyo

Hideki Aoyama

Professor of Keio University

Hidenori Shinno

Professor of the Tokyo Institute ofTechnology
Professor of the Tokyo Institute ofTechnology

Shigetaka Takagi
Keiichi Shirase

Professor of Kobe University

Hiroyuki Sasahara
Atsushi Matsubara

Professor of the Tokyo Universityof Agriculture and Technology
Professor of Kyoto University

Yoichi Hori

Professor of the University of Tokyo

Shigeki Sugano

Professor of Waseda University

Takayuki Okatani

Professor of Tohoku University

Tsunemoto Kuriyagawa Professor of Tohoku University
Masanori Kunieda

Professor of the University of Tokyo

Eiji Shamoto

Professor of Nagoya University

Takashi Matsumura Professor of Tokyo Denki University
Hitoshi Omori

Chief Scientist of Riken

FANUC CORPORATION
Yoshiharu Inaba
Representative Director, Chairman and CEO
Kenji Yamaguchi
Representative Director, President and
COO (Moderator)
Hiroyuki Uchida
General Manager, ROBOMACHINE
Business Division
Vice General Manager(R&D), FA Business
Hiroshi Noda
Division
Shunsuke Matsubara General Manager, Research &Development Administration Division
Hidehiro Miyajima
General Manager, Basic Research Laboratory,
Research & Development Administration Division
Yoshiki Hashimoto General Manager, CNC Hardware Laboratory
Mitsuyuki Taniguchi General Manager, SERVO Laboratory
Yuji Nishikawa
General Manager, LASER Laboratory
Kenichiro Abe
General Manager, ROBOT
Mechanical Development Laboratory
Seigo Kato
General Manager, ROBOT Software
Development Laboratory
Tong Zheng
General Manager, ROBODRILL Laboratory
Satoshi Takatsugi
General Manager, ROBOSHOT Laboratory
Akihiko Fujimoto
General Manager, ROBOCUT Laboratory
Hon Yonpyo
General Manager, ROBONANO
Research Department
Masako Sudo
Chief Engineer(Titles are current as of April 20)

Yamaguchi: Thank you forgathering today despite your busy
schedules. Prior to this round-table
talk, you had a look at our new
products. I look forward to having
a stimulating discussion. First, we'll
start with some words from
Chairman Inaba.
Inaba: Thank you for gathering
here today. We have been working
Yamaguchi
on improving the levels of ourindividual products by developing
new technologies that achieve high efficiency, highprecision, and high speed for FA, robots, andROBOMACHINEs to showcase them at our annualcompany exhibitions. However, according to recent
4trends, no matter how advanced
the technology gets, it's futile if
those functions are too hard touse. In addition, the robots andmachine tools that used to function
on their own have become
systemized in this age, withincreasing numbers of cases inwhich there are various
combinations of use. ConsideringInabathese points, we are now living inan age where usability is more
important than ever. Furthermore, with recent trends
surrounding Industry 4.0 and connected industries,
technologies that connect, visualize, and become
intelligent are especially crucial in order to develop

successful smart factories. Bearing these developments in
mind, we are currently working on the layout of theexhibition and the development of products. We are stillin the stage where we are formulating ideas, and many ofthem have yet to produce anything concrete. In theseareas, we ask for your continued guidance, and yourfrank comments are much appreciated. Although we only
have limited time, I very much look forward to this
discussion.
Yamaguchi: First, we would like to hear comments from
Professor Higuchi.
Professor Higuchi: As we've justheard from the chairman, I think
the one exhibit that will play acentral role this time around will
be FIELD system. FIELD system hasreceived the Grand Prix at the IT
Japan Award, the Ten Great New
Products Awards Masuda Award,
and the Highest Award of the
Nikkei Outstanding Product andProfessor Higuchi
Service Awards, all of which are
the highest awards given. I want tocongratulate you on your success. Although it has justrecently entered the market, it has been highly evaluated,
and further developments are anticipated. This week,
FIELD system was introduced at the Techno-Frontier in
Makuhari, where I watched the presentation at the boothin preparation for today. When Industry 4.0 was first
introduced in Germany, I thought that utilizing the rapid
development of information technology in manufacturing
was a matter of course, and that there was no need torush. With national projects, there's a tendency for systemconstruction to start in a top-to-bottom manner, but with
FIELD system, edge devices such as machine tools androbots play a crucial role, and the functions of the edge
devices themselves are used. In addition, for users whowant to use FIELD system, easy-to-use apps that are
customized to user requirements are continually being
offered. FANUC's sense of prioritizing on-site usability isvery palpable.
One thing I noticed during this exhibition was the resultsof the joint developments with other companies. Since
you are proactively pursuing cooperative developmentwith other organizations, I thought it might be a goodidea to create an exhibition booth for the results ofcooperative developments.
In addition, I noticed that the fusion of the technologies
of each of FANUC's divisions was showcased very
effectively this time. For example, the vision sensors
developed using robots was utilized in machine tools.
Robots were used very effectively in the handling of theworkpieces of ROBODRILL and ROBOSHOT.
From the perspective of my field of expertise, what I
found the most interesting was the large servo motors.
For servo motors, the ability to accelerate and decelerate
rapidly is a major challenge. How much has theperformance increased since before?
Taniguchi: About 10 times in torque.
Professor Higuchi: That's impressive. For large-scale
manufacturing equipment, I imagine there are strong
demands for equipment that can move at high speeds,
achieve precise positioning, and is capable of reverse
operation. FANUC has been a leader in electrification
technology, which has been applied in products like
injection molding machines and servo press machines. I
want to see FANUC continue to excel in the field of large
output servos. That's all from me.
Yamaguchi: Thank you for your comments. Continuing
on, I would like to ask Professor Aoyama, Professor
Shinno, Professor Takagi, Professor Shirase, andProfessor Sasahara about FA.

Professor Aoyama: I'm Aoyama
from Keio University. I always get
excited about the company
exhibitions every year. The mostsurprising and interesting exhibitthat stood out to me was FIELD
system. It was first announced two
years ago, and I believe there wereconnections to several otherorganizations at JIMTOF, but myProfessor Aoyama
honest impression was that thiswould not go beyond theconceptual level. However, as I saw today, they haveshown concrete methods of system use and their results.
FIELD system now looks like something that can work inpractical ways in manufacturing. Another thing that wasa surprise was the servers with NVIDIA installed in them.
The level of completion was impressive, and I saw how it
can develop into a production system that can be put topractical use. However, one thing I wondered was who isgoing to be responsible when this is developed into an
application that is released to the world. Since it issoftware, I don't think there can be a 100 percent
guarantee. I worry about where the responsibility will lie
when accidents occur. Another thing I noticed was how
it's built from the perspective of making the edge smart. I
do think that the edge part of manufacturing should besmart, but when providing data collected using edge
devices as feedback to production, there needs to be asystem where it is stored on edge devices, in the fog, or
cloud, and utilized extensively. Determining what parts ofthe collected data should be stored on edge devices, thefog, or cloud differs depending on the application, or howeach application is built, which I think is a very difficult
challenge. In a previous round-table talk, I talked about
linking CAD and CAM data. Easy to say, but in practice, it
is extremely difficult to do. Before we can link CAD and
CAM data, we must utilize the edge, and as one smart
way of utilizing the edge, I felt that processed data must
be created with a strong understanding of the way NCs
works.
Also, molds have started to become connected throughIoT. Recent trends include embedding several sensors in
the mold used in injection molding to monitor the
molding state, or looking at the molding state of moldpress machines by checking the pressure changes.
Sensors and analysis software are emerging little bylittle. If these new mold systems and FIELD system can belinked at an early stage, it would improve production
systems that use molding. It would be good if FIELD
system applications can be used to create mechanismsthat allow you to propose better molding conditions tooperators based on the information gained using sensors.
On another note, although you can ask a machining
professional to determine the threshold when utilizing AI
systems used in FANUC products, I imagine that in the
future, customers will want a system that allows nonprofessionals to utilize AI. Furthermore, I think that thenext step to be taken is to not only use big data, but also
turn it into knowledge to build systems that enableimproved production.
Also, after seeing the heavy cutting of the ROBODRILL
and the deep-hole machining of L/D, I was surprised at
how high-spec they have become. I hope you don't mind
the frankness of my comments. That's all from me.
Yamaguchi: Thank you. We appreciate your various
comments on everything from FIELD system to AI,
ROBODRILL, and the actual machining process. Professor
Shinno, may we have a few words from you?
Professor Shinno: First of all, thank you for inviting me
to the exhibition and this round-table talk today. Every
year, I look forward to taking this opportunity to join in52018 Round-Table Talk
discussions surrounding the futureof manufacturing factories.
The use and application of IoT and
AI are being widely talked about inrecent years. Even in today's
exhibition, there wereannouncements of new products
related to connected industries andAI, and I felt the enthusiasm forfollowing the national policy ofProfessor Shinno
rapidly putting new products on
the market. All the products wereat impressive levels of completion, and I really noticed
how they had evolved a step beyond the products thatwere showcased last year.
First, with regard to vision, our laboratory is also
pursuing research that proactively utilizes vision, so I
was very interested in the robots that apply vision andstatus-monitoring exhibits. In all the exhibits, I saw that
FANUC is engaged in groundbreaking research anddevelopment, and it served as a valuable learning
experience for some of my students.
Also, with regard to big data, last year's exhibition
seemed to focus on service fields. This year, I got the
impression that there have been developments towardapplication especially for ROBODRILL. I saw that it has
built-in systems that are useful for troubleshooting andoperator support, so I shared some opinions about thefeasibility of self-repairing functionalities based on the
results of self-diagnosis as the next step.
With regard to sensors, I saw in the fiber laser exhibit
how collaboration with other companies has led to thedevelopment of practical-use sensors, and how they canbe embedded in robots to achieve exceptionally highpositioning accuracy. We are also conducting machining
research using fiber lasers, but we are still in the trial anderror stage. After seeing today's exhibits, it made me
eager to continue our research.
One point that I was impressed by was the significant
changes to the functionalities and structure of the
ROBONANO, and its impressive feat in achieving
0.1-nanometer resolution control. I was surprised to hearthat they acquired hydrostatic bearing technology in sucha short period, achieved high-level rigidity and highprecision, and have already developed it to a level where
it can be made into a product.
This exhibition emphasized the improved usability of
products compared to the past. However—and this may
just be my lack of expertise— I didn't find many things
that struck me as exceptionally significant in that respect.
I hope to see that highlighted more in next year's
exhibition. Also, at the beginning of this round-table talk,
Chairman Inaba mentioned smart factories that areconnected and visualized, and I did see some new
products related to intelligent technologies. However, I
came away with an impression that was different frommy notions of intelligence, including how they are
different from conventional products. I'm eager to see inwhat ways those advancements will manifest by next
year's exhibition. Thank you.
Yamaguchi: Thank you. We appreciate your input
regarding usability and intelligence. We will try to
improve on those points next year. Professor Takagi, a
few words from you?
Professor Takagi: Thank you for inviting us and ourstudents as well. With regard to Professor Shinno'scomment about the 0.1-nanometer machining command, I
was really surprised to hear that, because in integrated
circuits, which is my field of expertise, it is said that four
nanometers was the limit, and as recently as last year, it
was one nanometer. This year, it has reached one-tenth ofthat.
6

In the Collaborative Robots section,
which I was the most interested in,
I saw that there was a 15-kilogram
payload type that differed in
specifications from conventional
types, so I asked what thedifference was.
I was told that this model had lesstemperature drift of the circuit
itself. I talked about this last year
Professor Takagi
as well, but after talking to various
people from the noise immunity
committee, I was told that noise reduction measures areabout knowing the source, discovering the path of
intrusion, and steadily searching for measures, and that
there is no silver bullet for this problem. Another problem
is that noise reduction measures tend to be forestalled,
and that it is difficult to alter a device once it has been
built.
Last year, I received several questions from FANUC
personnel regarding parts arrangement. Apparently, it
has nothing to do with circuits, but although calculations
have been done with regard to parasitic capacitance, as
well as whether to attach the bridge circuit resistors to
the connector or the strain gauge during wiring, there
are physically predetermined positions, which are
difficult to change. I was also asked what kind of A/D
conversion circuits are best. The questions became very
detailed, and it seemed like it has gone as far as it can go.
If you were to aim for one step higher, instead of working
on completed machines, I think you could start completelyfrom scratch and move in a more radical direction. I hope
to be of help in that. Another thing that I worry about ismalfunctions. I think it's also important to be able topredict malfunctions. If I can help in any way regarding
sensing technology, I hope to have the chance tocontribute. That's all from me.
Yamaguchi: Thank you for your valuable input. Professor
Shirase, a few words from you?
Professor Shirase: My name is
Shirase, from Kobe University.
Thank you for inviting me again
this year. I also came with great
anticipation for FIELD system. I
think that its becoming widespreadhinges on usability. After that, I
think it will be about how to satisfy
the users of machine tools androbots, and how to create new
Professor Shirase
value. In that respect, highperformance and high-quality
hardware is crucial, but the key is how to offer services
and convenience using a platform like FIELD system. As
several FIELD system applications emerged, I continued
to observe it expecting usability to improve in the future.
However, as Professor Aoyama indicated, there is theissue of whether you can guarantee 100 percent
reliability of the applications. Last year, I expressed that
there may be a necessity for an insurance system thatcovers application troubles. According to the person I
spoke to, since they cannot implement an inferior app,
there was going to be some level of verification forfunctionality and reliability. However, from the standpointof customer satisfaction, I think it's better to have theusers choose. For example, you could release a sample
app that was created as a test, and let users try it for free.
If you get something like 10,000 likes, you can authorize
it as an official app. If you can create a system that offersa place where users can assess the functionalities andreliability of apps, I think it would reduce the burden andresponsibility for FANUC as well.
With regard to IoT and AI, I think it comes down to howFIELD system will link with these technologies. In the
exhibit, it was summarized that the volume, quality, andvariety of data collected for AI learning is crucial. I totallyagree with this. Today, all kinds of data are being
collected through connected technologies and IoT, but I
wonder if we can really acquire the information we need.
For example, when working with machine tools, you can't
acquire specific pieces of information, such as what kindof product it is making, what part it's working on, that thematerial is aluminum, and whether it's currently using adrill or an endmill. In our research, we are making efforts
to achieve these things, but I thought it would be very
interesting if these kinds of information could beacquired from machine tools.
Also, at the Fine Surface Technology and the Fast Cycle
Technology sections of the FA exhibit, it was mentionedthat functions that improve the quality of machining
surfaces and shortens cycle times by carefully tuning thevarious parameters in the NC equipment will be released
as 0i/30i/31i. However, since this only refers to the userinterface that guides parameter settings, I don't know if itwill be done with FIELD system or through anothermethod, but I think the same thing can be achieved witholder NC equipment. In addition, there are various
appealing products emerging as AI apps, such as thermal
displacement compensation systems, servo tuning
systems, among others, which would all be great for users
who understand AI, but for users who expect AI to be an
all-powerful tool, I'm worried that they will bedisappointed when they install it but doesn't work as wellas they expected. I thought it would be wise to make sure
to send the right message that these applications work
well within the scope of the learning that the AI has
achieved, but not so well outside of that range. Thankyou.
Yamaguchi: Thank you for raising many interesting
points. Professor Sasahara, a few words, please.
Professor Sasahara: I am
Sasahara from Tokyo University ofAgriculture and Technology. I spent
the day enjoying the exhibition
with two students and we wereable to deepen our understandingon many topics. Thank you.
The most interesting exhibit in the
FA field was servo tuning andthermal displacement
Professor Sasahara
compensation by AI. FANUC's
technology for collecting data
directly linked with the machining result and machine
movement and rapidly implementing optimization byskillfully using collected data has an unrivaled level ofcompletion. I really look forward to the commercializationof this technology, which is also applicable to tuning
FANUC CNCs already available on the market, andtherefore, gives a big advantage to users. If you try to use
AI at actual machining sites, you must collect a wide
range of data. This results in a huge amount of data that
contains both useful and useless data. I heard that FANUC
has collected machining data from ROBODRILLs used intheir factories. This means that FANUC has been
conducting development using raw data. Because this is
not merely a proposal of a concept, FANUC is one stepahead. I am impressed that this approach is so close topractical use.
With reference to data collection during operation ofmachine tools, while it goes without saying that
information on the operating status, machinetemperature and other factors is important, at last year's
round-table talk, I expressed my hope that FANUC would
work on collecting data on factors closer to the machining
point, which is the information that most closely

represents the product being machined. At this exhibition,
I saw a vibration sensor embedded into the spindle of a
ROBODRILL from which information is visually displayed.
This is a step toward the realization of a system thatcollects data close to the machining point and feeds itback to adjust the operating conditions of the actualmachine.
Another thing I want to mention is lasers. Although I was
surprised by the demonstration of the synchronization
between high-speed rotation and lasers last year, thisyear, the synchronization included another directly
moving axis in addition to rotation, showing definite
progress. In terms of laser application development, I
have expectations for even greater developments in the
combination of motion control CNC devices and lasers,
which is a strength specific to FANUC. I thinkcollaboration with a cutting-type machine tool is possible.
For example, you could mount a laser on a cutting-type
machine tool to perform quenching after cutting or
irradiate a difficult-to-cut material with a laser to soften it
before cutting. Such exhibits would widen theapplications of laser processing. That's all from me.
Thank you.
Yamaguchi: Thank you, professors. Now, Uchida, theCTO of FANUC, is going to comment on everyone's
statements.
Uchida: Since I became CTO in thesummer of 2016, I have constantly
thought about how we shouldcollaborate with one anotherthroughout FANUC. I have not yet
reached a conclusion but let me
introduce some of our current
efforts.
Last year, we had an exhibit basedon the concept of making QSSP
Uchida(Quick & Simple Startup Package),a simple package consisting of a
ROBOMACHINE and robot, easier to use and more
affordable. This year, we evolved the concept of QSSP to
aim for integration of the base CNC and robot controller
and renamed the package QSSR (Quick & Simple Startup
of Robotization). Our top priority is to examine how we
can reduce investment cost and time in robotizing
machine tools that incorporate FANUC CNCs.
Regarding lasers, we included CNCs and robots in thecollaboration and synchronized laser oscillation with
servo control. Our SERVO Laboratory is quite good atsynchronous control of multiple axes and studies
synchronous control of servo axes and synchronous
control of servo axes and spindle axes, to name a few. I
am sure that these technologies will come to be used in a
wider range of fields. We also have robot control
technologies and synchronized control of laser oscillatorsand peripheral axes and robot control at this exhibition. I
believe this is something only FANUC could achieve.
Another example is high-grade machining. In the past,
the CNC Software Laboratory and SERVO Laboratory
addressed quality problems on the machined surface.
However, the problems are caused by various factors suchas the machine, tools, and machining conditions inaddition to CNCs such as CAMs and servos. Because ofthis, software and servo engineers were sometimes
unable to identify the cause. Now that the ROBODRILL
Laboratory has joined the team, this so-called "crosssectional team" investigates the cause. As a result, theteam has become better able to reach conclusions
through their analyses, such as the machining tool isdifferent, the machine tool pad is not appropriate, or thevibration from the fan motor reaches the mechanical unit.
FANUC is also collecting data from machine tools androbots in our factories to develop the preventive
7

2018 Round-Table Talk
maintenance function. This is easy to say but difficult toachieve. For example, we connected the spindle to a
ROBODRILL to observe signs of failures. But we have notobtained data for preventive maintenance because thespindle rarely fails. This made us realize that a lot ofknowledge, insight and experience are required to collect
good data. We will further refine data collection
techniques in the future.
Yamaguchi: Noda from the FA Laboratory will also makesome comments.
Noda: Regarding what the CTO
said about not yet being able tocollect some NC information, we
standardized the interface forextracting information from NCs
about 15 years ago. And it was agood thing we did as it allowed us
to connect past NCs to the networkand collect information from them.
As the IoT and AI continues toNoda
advance, the utility value of various
information will continue to rise.
One direction of the evolution could be an interface thattakes new technologies such as networks, the IoT, and AI
into consideration.
Another point I want to emphasize about the idea
mentioned here is that what seemed to be a concept was
actually a concrete idea. That is a very good point.
Recently, we hear about concepts such as that standalone
AI will come to be used in manufacturing sites. However,
we have realized that the usage of AI gradually becomes
clearer as we get practical ideas by actually developing
the AI. In this sense, this exhibition has moved to thepractical phase.
This made me realize just how much FANUC has on its
plate, including the IoT and AI.
Yamaguchi: Now, let's move on to motion control androbotics. Professor Matsubara, Professor Hori, Professor
Sugano, and Professor Okatani, please share yourthoughts with us.
Professor Matsubara: I am
Matsubara from Kyoto University.
Last year, I said that green robots
remove the fence separatingmachinery from the environment.
Although a French instructor in
our laboratory wanted to use arobot, we had to prepare manythings such as a barrier and an
emergency stop button. So, we
Professor Matsubara
should have just used a green
robot. But there is more to thisstory. To use a robot, you must ensure safety management
and the administrator must attend training. However, he
is French and cannot understand Japanese training. So, I
attended the training and operated the robot using theteaching pendant for a few days. I never knew how
difficult it was to operate the robot until I actually tried. I
had difficulty just telling the robot to move straight. If
you fail, the robot hits the table. I thought to myself "weneed to do something about this."Today, I saw the robot with an acceleration sensor learn a
movement. It was impressive that the robot was able toproperly draw a circle, triangle, and rectangle. AI is used
for this. Then, how about using the AI for measurement
as well? Just making the robot move straight couldchange the world.
At last year's exhibit, FANUC tried to remove physicalfences as the first step. This year, FANUC is apparently
trying to widen the application range of robots byremoving the fences between tasks. If these fences are
removed, the robots, which have many degrees of8

freedom, can potentially be used for a variety of
purposes. At today's exhibit, a robot on a dolly recognized
a position by looking at a mark on the cover of themachine tool. If that is possible, you must be able to link
the robot with the coordinate system in the machine,which would mean the number of possible tasks would
increase even more.
Usually, we conduct measurements to understand thesituation before performing the task, to solve the problem
at hand. However, AI defines the task in a single step andsolves the problem with the measured data. I clearly saw
that that's how AI solves problems. In this sense, AI
contains a problem solving methodology. We like tools. I
think that's why we get the impression that AI is a little
different.
Recently, machinery experts in our university arecollaborating with information experts in many ways. I
look forward to seeing where things go after theboundary between tasks is removed next year. Thankyou.
Yamaguchi: Thank you very much. Professor Hori?
Professor Hori: Today, I was
impressed to see so many uniquedevelopments.
Power devices are strongly
promoted in the SIP led by the
Cabinet Office and I am asubprogram director in thisprogram. In other words, powerdevices such as SiC, GaN, and Ga2O3
are entering a new era. When you
Professor Hori
break down the mechatronics field
into devices, power electronics,
servos, and high-end software like AI, these four
categories seem to develop slightly out of phase with eachother. As the trends and hot technologies constantly
change, we need to seize opportunities when we seethem.
I worked on power electronics and motor control in theInstitute of Electrical Engineers of Japan, but now I workfor the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan andserve as the President of the World Electric Vehicle
Association. We expect that future cars will evolvearound motor, capacitor, and wireless technologies. These
are opposite to the engine, lithium ion battery, and highspeed charging infrastructure. So, this expectation
offends engine manufacturers and those attempting tocreate the high-speed charging infrastructure claim thatthat is out of the question. However, it is also critical tohave such a dream for the future and at times it is equallyimportant not to be affected by trends. Quite a few people
believe that all cars will soon be electric vehicles but thisis not going to happen. Gas-fueled cars will probably still
be in use even 50 years from now and combustion
technology is still very important. So, it is unimaginable
that electric vehicles will completely replace gas-fueledcars. I am making this claim as the President of the WorldElectric Vehicle Association.
The world is full of interesting things. Today, FANUC has
invited many young students. I always tell them to stay
curious about everything. Today, FANUC showed us manydifferent things again. I imagine that Chairman Inaba iscurious about many things in the academic, business,
industrial and other fields and finds a variety of things
interesting. Thank you.
Yamaguchi: Thank you. Professor Sugano?
Professor Sugano: I specialize in human friendly robots
and intelligent robots and I am very happy to see how thegreen robot evolves every year. I found it a very
interesting new development that FANUC exhibited an onsite application example of a combination of acollaborative robot and AGV this year. Although AGVs

may not be FANUC's specialty,
future collaborative robots willcertainly need better harmony
between movement andmanipulation. I strongly hope thatyou proceed with development inthis direction. Although it is said
that human friendly robots will be
used in households and for medical
and welfare purposes, they will
Professor Sugano
probably become common in theindustrial workplace first. By using
human friendly robots to their full potential in this area,
we will be able to see what technologies and conditions
are required for collaboration. Then, we will be ready tointroduce human friendly robots into many otherfacilities including welfare and medical institutions forthe first time. I hope FANUC will be a leader in thisdirection. Although it is true that Germany has the lead instandardization and certification, Japan should take thelead in the standardization and certification ofcollaborative robots as complete systems. However, it isdifficult for universities to achieve this goal. That's why I
hope that private companies will make efforts to show
leadership in this area. In this sense, I hope that FANUC
will make a significant impact on the world by playing aleading role and guiding us in the right direction.
I would also like to see you turn the SCARA robot into agreen robot. The SCARA robot is good at assembly work
and is very suitable for helping people around them. If
the mobile, SCARA, and standard robots evolve like a cellthat works as a part of a human being, the humanfriendly robot system will make much progress. I strongly
hope that you will consider this sort of systemization.
Today, the professors attending this talk have mentioned
AI. Collaborative robots definitely need AI. Since humanbeings are ambiguous, the robots and systems thatcollaborate with human beings need a prediction
function. AI is good at doing what human beings can dousing their senses but is difficult to formulate. You could
probably create a new production field by skillfully
introducing AI into the part that corresponds to theprediction function of human beings. I hope that FANUC
will develop these comprehensive frameworks. I'm
counting on you.
Yamaguchi: Thank you. As we have recently come to see
combinations of AGVs and collaborative robots more
often at exhibitions, we will carefully watch future trends.
Professor Okatani?
Professor Okatani: I specialize invision, machine learning centeredaround vision, and deep learning.
It is certain that, of these, deeplearning has advanced the mostdramatically in recent years. Voicerecognition reached thecommercialization level in the formof AI speakers. It was also reported
last month that machine
Professor Okatanitranslation reached the humanlevel in translating news articles
between Chinese and English though there are still someproblems. I remember saying "Everyone in the world
thinks that the robot is the next trend." However, when I
look back on the past year, research development inrelated fields was disappointing. Although Google
DeepMind, which created AlphaGo, is most actively
applying reinforcement learning to robots, they have had
a hard time too. It seems that we must wait a long time
until a true innovation occurs in the world of robots. The
highest hurdle is the generalization capability in deeplearning. In fact, the same problem exists even in thefields where deep learning is already effectively used. In
any case, robots do not function as expected without
data. Although there is the saying, "A word is enough tothe wise," the current robot barely understands 20% of
the big picture when given one word. We manage tohandle pattern recognition problems such as image andvoice with a realistic amount of data. However, when it
comes to moving a robot, the space that the robot faces
has too high a degree of freedom and it may be
impossible to prepare corresponding data. A word is far
from enough for the current level of deep learning andthis is a large bottleneck. What we can do now is to findproblems other than these and consider how to apply
deep learning to problems for which a lot of data withclear input and output can be collected as learning data.
Deep learning can be applied to many other FANUC
products. The collaborative robot Professor Sugano
mentioned is a typical example. Thank you.
Yamaguchi: Thank you for your valued opinion about theapplication of deep learning to robots. We must also
think about this carefully.
Uchida: AI is a large subject in robotics. As the professors
have just explained, FANUC will clearly recognize
differences from the world of Google, that is, differences
between the analog fields of mechanics and electricity
and the world of text data and continue development. Text
data is, by definition, already digitized and can be directly
used for deep learning. However, the fields of robots andmachine tools are occupied by analog data. So, it isimportant to consider how to digitize and apply it to AI.
We must not underestimate the difficulty of this task.
When I was invited by RIKEN last year, I saw apresentation of their project that involved videotaping thework processes of machining and casting engineers andconvert the precision, time, temperature and other factors
into data, that is, digitize them, from the video. That wasan eye-opening undertaking. The analog level of robots
seems to be a little bit lower than that of machine tools.
However, the situation is the same in the spot, arc, laser
and other welding process, after all. How to address thissituation is a future challenge.
Yamaguchi: Abe from the Robot Laboratory, do you havea comment?
Abe: Users in existing markets arefamiliar with the use of robots.
However, we are also aware thatusability will be an issue whenpeople who have never used robots
start doing so in the future. This isa very difficult challenge. We will
have to think about how much we
can simplify operations and how
people who have never used robots
Abe
can move a robot or have it quickly
learn or imitate an operation byusing the imaging and AI systems. As Professor
Matsubara said, collaborative robots provide a very good
perspective on removing the fence separating machinesfrom the environment to improve usability. However, we
now face the next obstacle, the fence between tasks. We
continue to struggle with such endless challenges everyday. Professor Sugano also mentioned the SCARA green
robot. In addition, now that the collaborative robot has
been created, the AGV is also used in more scenarios.
FANUC will continue to work on a variety of challenges
one by one. We look forward to your guidance.
Yamaguchi: We will hear about the ROBOMACHINE from
Professor Kuriyagawa, Professor Kunieda, Professor
Shamoto, Professor Matsumura, and Professor Omori.
Professor Kuriyagawa: At this exhibition, I was mostimpressed by the ROBODRILL being able to machine
Inconel in dry mode using a ceramic chip to the point9

2018 Round-Table Talk
that the area around the tool
becomes bright red. I was also
surprised to see that the relative
positions of the ROBODRILL androbot on the dolly in front of the
ROBODRILL are automaticallycalibrated even if the robot isplaced without thinking.
I heard that the ROBONANO has aresolution of 0.1 nanometers. I
Professor Kuriyagawa
actually saw and was impressedwith the truly smooth machined
surface. The keyword of future machining technologies inJapan is high added value. Regarding high added value
machining, I have recently been focusing on the purpose
rather than the method. Two technologies are critical for
functional sophistication. These are the creation offunctions and ultra-precision machining. For the creationof function, we should first examine materials and thenthe design methodology to embody the function. For
ultra-precision machining, we need to think about what
the machine tool uses and in what way. The mostimportant aspect is high precision NC. ROBONANO is theembodiment of these technologies.
I have also recently come to the realization that hardware
such as the spindle and feed system is also important toconfiguring machine tools in addition to NCs. In otherwords, we must go back to and further study the basics ofmachines. For example, the static spindle looks perfect at
a glance. However, we can probably improve theperformance by examining the basics. In addition, we do
not fully understand the phenomenon that occurs on theinterface between the tool and chips or material during
cutting. We can also study what happens when cutting
fluid enters into the interface as well as the turning tool,
grinder and other tools for ideal machining. We also
study cutting fluid and there are still other interesting
subjects such as oil for the static spindle or texturing of
the spindle surface. We are also interested in the actualmachining mechanism. One of our projects targets
polishing GaN wafers. We also study what happens to
atoms and molecules during machining. It is important todevelop advanced systems and fundamental machining
principles using FANUC machines while reviewing thebasics.
In addition, we recently received an increasing number ofrequests for consultations from industrial manufacturersthat want to enter into the medical field. Technologies for
medical purposes will increasingly be needed in the
future. Examples include medical devices for technologies
for the aging society and technology to sense a person's
health status before they become sick as the study ofpresymptomatic disorders. More and more researchers
are conducting research and development on medical
devices or medical systems in my laboratory as well.
FANUC's ROBONANO and ROBODRILL have a very wide
application range as exemplified by today's tooth implant
exhibit. I expect that they will be used more often,
especially in the medical field where small parts are often
used.
We will continue to use FANUC machine tools for ourstudies. Thank you.
Yamaguchi: Thank you very much for saying so.
Although we are a CNC manufacturer, we cannot create
good CNCs without understanding machining. That's
exactly what we are working on. Professor Kunieda,
please share your thoughts
Professor Kunieda: In the Faculty of Engineering, westarted internally creating commemorative medals to giveto retired professors using a ROBODRILL this fiscal year.
We succeed in creating great medals thanks toinstructions from FANUC. We thank you for that. I saw
10

the exhibition with five students
today and they were surprised tosee that such milling processing ispossible.
Although there has not been muchprogress in discharge machining
technology in general, I saw eight
new technologies today, andrealized that FANUC is fully
engaged in basic research as well.
Professor Kunieda
The combination with thecollaborative robot, thermal
displacement compensation, the use of AI, control tomaintain the gap for override during machining, andunderwater wire connections are impressive. Japan has
led the discharge machining field. At an international
conference on electrical machining three years ago,
Japan gave 40 presentations and China gave 43,
accounting for about 25% of all presentations. Although
the same scientific meeting will take place in Spain next
week, China will be the top presenter with 55
presentations followed by Germany, which will give 23
presentations.
The number of presentations given by Japan will be 20,
accounting for 13% of the total. This clearly suggests thatJapan is lagging behind.
We must somehow make a breakthrough. For thispurpose, we must seriously work on basic research.
Discharge machining conditions have always been
adaptively controlled while monitoring discharge current
and voltage waveforms. However, we still do not know
how changes in current and voltage waveforms
correspond to phenomena. We must understand theseinterrelationships.
As I said two years ago, only several percent of the cratervolume dissolved in one discharge is removed and theremaining volume solidifies again. If all of the dissolved
material can be removed, the current machining speed
will increase by dozens of times. Basic research in thisarea has the potential to make a breakthrough.
In addition, simulation of discharge machining has not
yet been put to practical use. This is due to thecomputation speed and the need for a huge database.
However, this simulation is likely to be put to practicaluse soon in Europe. I think incorporating sensors is one
way to put the simulation to practical use. I hope that
FANUC work on this point to bring about a breakthrough.
Thank you.
Yamaguchi: Thank you. Professor Shamoto?
Professor Shamoto: Thank you for
introducing a lot of newtechnologies again this year. My
specialty is machine tools andmachining processes. So, I am mostinterested in the performance
improvement of machining and I
watched the exhibits with thispoint in mind. In a nutshell, it isgreat that ROBODRILL has reached
Professor Shamoto
a very high level in terms ofcomprehensive performance. There
are many aspects of performance. The first aspect is highprecision. ROBODRILL serves as a stage on which topractice technologies that will widely spread as a typicalexample of a machine tool. The whole system from
hardware to software has reached a very hightechnological level as exemplified by ROBODRILL
achieving surfaces close to a mirror surface in the past
several years. The followability of NCs has beensignificantly improved thanks to HRV+. Software
processing has also picked up speed. FANUC decreased
tolerance by using a 0.1 micron command as NC inputand realized a mirror-like finish as a result. It is
practically significant that FANUC has realized this invery low-cost machine tools. The second aspect is highspeed. This aspect of performance has been improved
little by little by thoroughly cutting waste, exercising
ingenuity in making the most use of the motor torque,among other efforts. The third aspect is high output.
Because machining is so efficient and not just fast, eveniron materials can be deep cut and machined. However,
because we are using the small machine with spindle
taper size of No. 30, problems with chattering or forced
vibration are expected if we try many different kinds ofmachining, though it can be used without problems when
the rigidity and attenuation are large. Although this is
one of my fields of research, I feel that there are still
many challenges to overcome. The last aspect is
intelligence and smart machining. I saw a demonstrationof monitoring with an acceleration sensor attached to thespindle of a ROBODRILL today. FANUC has developed
technologies to monitor the machining process. This is agood direction to go in. In the process-related area, wemust develop deeper technologies. There are still many
challenges to overcome. In other words, this field has thepotential for dramatic technological innovation.
I hope that FANUC will continue to develop technologies
to improve each aspect of basic performance. Thank you.
Yamaguchi: Thank you very much for talking about the
ROBODRILL. Professor Matsumura?
Professor Matsumura: I had thechance to see several exhibits
today, and I was impressed at how
far the efforts toward AI
application have advanced. I wasespecially interested to see how AI
is applied in thermal displacementcompensation. I believe that thesekinds of AI control must be
developed through learning byProfessor Matsumura
example with a strong
understanding of the phenomenathat actually occur. If incorrect data is learned, it will not
function effectively. Filters and controls for interference
are especially important. Take the impact of scraps andcutting fluid on status recognition, for example, there arestill many challenges to achieving robust control. Also,from another perspective, I'm also interested to know
how the AI functions when the machines malfunction, or
undergo some unforeseen incident. I think the technology
required to monitor machine status or machining
processes by attaching acceleration sensors would beeven more difficult than thermal displacementcompensation. If you go further and consider vibrationand strength during cutting, sufficient recognition cannot
be achieved without fully grasping the conditions duringmachining. I saw in this exhibit that a sensor was
attached on the spindle side to monitor the machining
status, but I also heard that there were plans to also
attach a sensor on the table side, which I think would help
achieve even higher recognition precision. Furthermore,
one important factor in machine learning is the necessityof considering the unique qualities of each machine, even
if they are the same model. In the process of machinelearning, the past data of many machines are used, but if
you could separate generic past data from the data thatare unique to each machine, the learning process could
become more efficient.
With regard to FIELD system, the development of appsthat takes FIELD system into consideration whendeveloping ROBOMACHINEs seems to be underway, andI'm finally starting to see the overall picture. If you
properly prepare an integrated development environment
for those who are developing various applications, itwould support future developments, and moreover, it
would encourage researchers at universities like ours totake up the challenge.
There was an exhibit this year that linked ROBODRILLs
with robots. I think this is great news for small to
medium enterprises. This achieves the combined use of
CNC and robots, which I think is a strength that is uniqueto your company. Furthermore, new machining methods
that use Punch Tap required special movement control,
but I felt that FANUC is uniquely capable of controllingcomplex combinations of operations.
The other exhibits also showcased some very impressive
technologies. I look forward to seeing future
developments.
Yamaguchi: Thank you for providing us with many
useful hints for future developments. Professor Omori, a
few words, please.
Professor Omori: Thank you forthe opportunity today to observe
some of your new technologies andproducts. There seems to havebeen many developments since lastyear. I saw the ROBONANO exhibit
first, and was very impressed by
the demonstration of the freecurve surface cutting.
My research focuses on areas such
Professor Omori
as ultra-precision machining andnano-machining, but I also
research the visualization of technical capabilities. Abouta decade ago, the massive rate of compulsory retirementof the baby boomer generation led to a severe shortage ofexpert machining technicians. We started a project that
aimed to create a system that visualized the technicalcapabilities of technicians. Veteran technicians can lookat a parts chart and know the steps required formachining, so there was no need to write flow charts.
However, this is too difficult for younger technicians, sosome form of visualization is needed. The way it works isthat when you click on a certain process or step, the vital
points are displayed, allowing the younger technicians tolearn. If they prepare this way before learning thepractical skills on site, they learn much faster. This
verified its effectiveness as a method of visualization fortechnical capabilities and as a way of handing down
information.
However, there has been a gradual drop in the number ofpeople who can teach these skills and the number ofpeople learning them. The issue of how to accumulate
information and who should teach that information has
become a difficult problem to solve.
With the ROBONANO, the architect of the process firstacts as the operator to create the ultra-precision parts.
The process itself is a collection of know-how. Since
FANUC is involved in data collection and AI interaction, I
thought it would be good if ROBONANO could learn theprocess of ultra-precision machining. If you can do that,then the more ROBONANO is used by experienced
technicians, the more intelligent it gets. If a young
successor uses ROBONANO, it could realize that thisperson is not as experienced, and offer suggestions
accordingly. Especially with the problems that are
anticipated as we approach the year 2050, seeing
ROBONANO made me think that in the future, it will be
the machining tools that will be providing suggestions. I
was also very surprised today to see the improvement in
the accuracy of robots with AI. In the past, you had toattach a diamond bit to a robot and make it handle thelathe turning process to acquire the function of a lens,
but with today's robots, you can let them handle the tools
to make more objects. I think this development will leadto a significant change in manufacturing methods of the11

2018 Round-Table Talk
future. I'm also conducting research in bioprinting.
Bioprinters are a type of 3D printer that can layer cells
three-dimensionally to create functioning artificial
internal organs. The cells are measured in units of 10 or
so microns, so precision and resolution don't need to beat the nano level. If a bioprinter that can stack like a robot
is created, it has the potential of becoming agroundbreaking product. I also saw the fiber laser exhibit.
I sometimes perform implant machining, but when I cut
valuable titanium alloys, they mostly end up as scraps.
Combining machine cutting and laser cutting, such as byusing lasers to make blank materials without waste, andthen do the minimum necessary cutting, seems like themore modern method.
As the products we manufacture change with the times, I
hope to see FANUC continue to showcase various usage
situations and demonstrations. I think that would invite
input from different perspectives from many users. I lookforward to future developments.
Yamaguchi: Thank you. We appreciate your very
interesting take on matters such as the visualization oftechnical capability and bioprinting. Now, a few words
from Uchida, the CTO.
Uchida: Thank you for all of your valuable input. It has
been a very insightful discussion with regard to ourdevelopment efforts as a whole. There were somecomments that were painfully true in some respects, but
I hope to work on those points so that you'll see
improvements next year. Regarding the trend toward IoT
and AI starting with FIELD system, after becoming
involved in AI development and considering the processfrom defining the challenges to methods of use, it has
become clear that there is very little understanding of thephysical phenomena on the factory floors of machining
and molding. It made me really consider the importanceof solidifying the fundamental basics.
On a final note, I think it's important not only to go backto the basics for research and development, but also forsales. It is crucial to hear the opinions of those working
in our factories, and study the current conditions. The
one conclusion I arrived at after hearing your many
opinions is the need to carefully study everything fromthe highest levels to the factory floor, as well as thephysical phenomena. Thank you all very much.
Yamaguchi: Thank you. Next, a few words from Fujimotofrom the ROBOMACHINE Laboratory.
Fujimoto: I want to revisit the
point raised by Professor Kunieda
earlier about the sludge that melts
upon the electrical discharge of the
ROBOCUT and then resolidifies,
and how if this was resolved, itwould lead to improved speeds. I
would like to work on that andhope to tie that to improved
product performance. We
Fujimoto
appreciate your guidance.
Yamaguchi: Professor Shinno, may
we have some final comments before we conclude?
Professor Shinno: I would like to summarize all of the
future expectations of FANUC based on the comments.
First and foremost, please make sure that FANUC's uniquestrengths are reflected in your products.
FANUC's strength lies in the fusion of software andhardware. There are not many companies in Japan thatcan really accomplish this. We would like you to focus on
and pursue your strengths and improve on them, andcreate products that highlight those strengths.
Second, please present new concepts. In today's
exhibition, we saw concepts clearly presented in morethan half of the new products. Please present these newconcepts as a way to inspire and motivate customers and12your employees.
Third, please don't become satisfied with existingproducts but make sure they continue to improve andevolve. ROBONANO has achieved remarkableadvancements in the past few years. Today, as I jokingly
commented to a development lead, saying, "it looks likeyou've achieved all you can achieve," they responded bysaying, "we still have a lot of the basics we have to workon." The challenges that we face are mostly unrefined,
basic technologies, but that's something that involves all
the professors who are here with us today. I hope to see
these professors get more involved to engage in efforts tocreate more advanced products.
As the fourth point, please focus your strengths on basic
research. In both industry and academia, our country is
being criticized for neglecting basic research. In order toattain core competence, basic research is absolutely
crucial. Luckily, we have in this round-table talk today
some of the best brains in Japan. I hope to see all theknowledge and wisdom collected here today applied tothe creation of open innovation based on meaningfulindustry-academic collaboration.
Finally, please create as many success stories as you can.
I hope to see this industry-academic collaboration
continue beyond mere information exchanges, and lead toconcrete results and successful product development.
In recent years, in the manufacturing industry, theexcessive focus on core technologies due to the conceptof "selection and concentration" is being criticized forcontributing to the decline in the research anddevelopment capabilities of companies. As a result, wehave not been able to achieve what is sometimes called
the "skills refined through combinations." Skills refined
through combinations yield more significant effects themore elements there are. As we move into the future,companies and people that do not possess a surplus ofskills and flexibility are on a certain path to failure, so I
hope to see this company acquire various coretechnologies to strengthen and maintain theircompetitive edge. I've been invited to participate in thisround-table talk for many years, and I've found it to be avery valuable fixed-point observation opportunity to
discuss the future of manufacturing factories. It has also
been a valuable opportunity for the professors who havejoined us today to think about the future ofmanufacturing environments, so I hope to see this event
continue to be held.
When formulating corporate and research strategies,
PEST analysis is being used as an effective tool. Whendeveloping new products, companies internally discuss
political factors (P), economic factors (E), social factors (S),and technological factors (T) and identify them, allowing
them to see what kind of products should be created in
the future. I hope that as a result, after presenting clear
concepts, everyone involved shares their information
with each other to create new products. Thank you.
Yamaguchi: We have always thought of ourselves as
being focused on certain fields and forging a narrow
path, but every time we have these round-table talks, I'm
surprised by the breadth and depth of the knowledge ofthe professors. We hope to benefit from your guidance invarious areas going forward, and look forward to yourcontinued cooperation. Thank you very much.

FANUC Global ConferenceThis year's FANUC Global Conference was held for three days from March 12 to 14. Representatives of employees fromFANUC Group companies worldwide assembled in one place to discuss future product developments and sales strategies.
As globalization rapidly advances in the machine tool industry and industries that lead in metal machining technologies,
such as the automobile and aerospace industries, this conference has become increasingly important, with a far higher
number of overseas members participating than last year.

Similar to last year, discussions on many topics were held with the keywords "Transparency and Strict Preciseness," "oneFANUC," "Reliable, Predictable, and Easy to Repair," and "Service First." The discussions were so active that three days
seemed to not be nearly enough time.
The business divisions of FA, ROBOT, and ROBOMACHINE took turns introducing their latest products and features, andlively discussions were held on future development plans that meet market needs. Furthermore, the latest topics andinformation surrounding the "one FANUC" initiative, such as FIELD system, the new function development using AI, QSSR
(Quick & Simple Startup of Robotization), fiber laser applications, and more were shared globally, and the steady progress
toward an innovative reformation of manufacturing all over the world was palpable. On the final day, we introduced the
newly completed FANUC ACADEMY to the overseas participants, and shared with them FANUC's approach in steadily
supporting customers in the latest training environment that has an abundance of actual machines.

After all the sessions ended, Chairman Inaba hosted a party
where all the participants further deepened their mutual
friendships.

13Completion of FANUC ACADEMY
The training facility known as
FANUC ACADEMY was opened asa place where customers canbetter familiarize themselveswith FANUC's products. FANUC
ACADEMY is equipped with anabundance of machinery forhands-on learning and state-ofthe-art training equipment.
We've also built a Guest House
where trainees can stayovernight. Our goal was to builda facility where all visitors will
leave as fans of FANUC.

From the left: Training being offered on FA products, robot products, and ROBOMACHINE products● Training rooms where trainees can learn and immediately apply their newly acquired knowledge on actual equipment.
Each trainee is assigned their own CNC, robot, or ROBODRILL so they can get the most out of their training.
● Training that enables trainees to use equipment immediately upon returning to their companies
Based on this motto, we offer easy-to-understand training.
We've designed FANUC ACADEMY in a way that allows anyone to participate in training programs whenever they wish byincreasing the number of courses held. We will also continue to offer short courses that align with your needs.

The lodging rooms are designed to provide a comfortable stay during the training period, and iPads are used throughout
the course so that trainees can freely prepare for lessons and review them afterward. There is also a hot spring spa
adjacent to the Scandinavian-themed dining hall, where trainees can unwind and relax after a day of training.

14

Awards● Received the GM Supplier of the Year Award
FANUC was selected as the 2017 Supplier of the Year for the 14th time andfor the 13th consecutive year by the US-based company GM. Dr. K. Inaba,
General Manager of the ROBOT Business Division, and President Cicco of
FANUC America attended the award ceremony held in Orlando, USA on April
20.

● Received the VW Group Award
FANUC received the 2018 Group Award from the German automaker
Volkswagen. President Yamaguchi and Dr. K. Inaba, General Manager of the
ROBOT Business Division, attended the award ceremony held in Berlin on
May 23.

● Received the Bene Meritus Award
FANUC Europe received an award for economic contribution from the cityof Echternach, where it is located. President Tanzawa of FANUC Europe
attended the award ceremony on April 24.

Certified as a Daimler CNC Supplier
FANUC Europe developed Daimler dedicated software anduser interface and was chosen the official CNC supplier.

Ceremony to Welcome New Employees
The ceremony to welcome new employees was held on
April 2 in the head office hall. On this day, 252 new
employees joined the FANUC workforce. Hearing
Chairman Inaba's encouraging and welcoming words, the
new employees reaffirmed their determination.

Four Seasons of FANUC

Grey wagtail

Japanese hornbeam

Long tail spangle

Summer is the liveliest season in the forest of FANUC.
The high-pitched and intricate chirping sounds of the grey wagtail can be heard, and the large and distinctively shaped
spikes of the Japanese hornbeam can be seen hanging.

15

Ultra Precision Machine with Enhanced Ease of
Use and Sustainability

Milling(curved surface)

HUD mold machining

Cutting

Milling(groove)

Watch part

Hologram

FANUC News 2018-Ⅱ
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©FANUC CORPORATION February 26, 2019 Printed in Japan