NEWS 2022-Ⅰ

CONTENTSTOPICS− The International Robot Exhibition 2022
− Introduction of New Products, New Functions and New Services[FA] [ROBOT] [ROBOMACHINE] [IoT] [SERVICE]− Introduction of FANUC Factories [newest machining factory]− FANUC Robot CRX-104A［ The 10th Techno-Economics Innovation Award
JATESʼs Chairman Award ］− Four Seasons of FANUC− FANUC ROBOCUT 1-C4C e［ The Main Prize of the 2021 (64th) Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun
Best Ten New Products Awards ］

Photo taken April 2022

The International Robot Exhibition 2022
The expanded and enrichedlineup of collaborative robots
gathered great attention.
The International Robot Exhibition 2022 was held for four days
from March 9 (Wed) to March 12(Sat), at Tokyo Big Sight.
The latest technologies of FANUC
robots were introduced to visitors
to the exhibition, where due tothe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, infection control measures
were implemented thoroughly.
For collaborative robots, three
new models have been added to
the lineup and were exhibitedalongside many other models of

the CRX series. These were the center of attention.
Besides the CRX , many robot systems that meet the needs ofactual work sites were on display, including a new one-ton
payload robot, a 10 kg payload high-speed fully covered robot, awide variety of SCARA robots, robots for welding and various
other applications, and a bin-picking robot using high-speed
vision.
Moreover, comprehensive capabilities derived from "oneFANUC," such as QSSR, IoT, service, and eﬀorts to achieve energy
saving and carbon neutrality were highlighted. Such features
include Zero Down Time (ZDT), FIELD system, and robotization ofmachining by Quick and Simple Start-up of Robotization (QSSR)
with which connection between robots and CNCs/ROBOMACHINEs is simpliﬁed.

The full lineup ofcollaborative
robots enrichedwith 11 models
received
tremendous
feedback.
The compact size of the new
CRX-54A was highly praised .

The new CRX-204A/L is a high payload robot
which has a light-weight arm. Many visitors
showed interest in this special combination.

The new CRX-254A is expected to promote
automation in logistics, by leveraging its highpayload and long reach.

Collaborative Robot

The compact new CR-354B has
high potential to support heavy
manual work.
2

FANUC NEWSThe high speed and long reachof the new ceiling-mounted
model was popular with visitors.

SCARA Robot

There are high expectations for use in primary food The light weight and high-speed
products due to their high IP (Ingress Protection)
operation of the new LR-104A/10
performance and plating speciﬁcations.
amazed visitors .

High-speed welding made possible byhigh-precision synchronization between the
robot and laser scanner was noteworthy.

Laser Robot

The easy robotization of an existingmachine tool had a great impact.

ZDT that supports both on-premiseenvironments and cloud services
was popular with visitors.

Delta Robot

Fully covered robot

Visitors showed much interestin the easy teaching of thepaint robot by hand guidance.

Bin picking by high-speed
vision of FANUC 4PC drew theattention of visitors.

Paint Robot

3D vision sensor

Visitors had a good impression of the easy setup by
the CNC-QSSR via G-code and the manual handle.

Machining

There were high expectations for
FIELD system, which can connect
to a wide variety of devices.

The powerful movement of thesuper heavy payload robot lifting
an electric vehicle was astonishing.

The new one-ton payload robot
having both a high payload
capacity and a compact body waswell received by visitors.

Super Heavy Payload Robot

An AGV equipped with a CRX is expected
to promote automation of machining.

Visitors appreciated the speedy
response for service requests enabledthrough FabriQR Contact.

IoT, Service, Energy saving

There were high expectations for
FANUC's eﬀorts to save energy
and achieve carbon neutrality.
3Introduction of New Products and New Functions
FA AI thermal displacement compensation function realizes high precisionand stable machining by suppressing the eﬀects of thermal displacement on machines.
perform compensation. This function can suppress the impact of thermal
displacement in a short time, even during the stabilization of the machinetemperature, thus enabling the shortening of the warmup time, resulting in
improvements in work eﬃciency and contributing to energy conservation.
The thermal displacement compensation model development tool has
recently been improved to enable mass production. In addition, a new unitthat receives input from the temperature sensors has been added.

In the mechanical unit of a machine tool that needs to machine withhigh-precision, even a slight change in temperature will cause thermal
displacement, eﬀecting accuracy. FANUCʼs AI thermal displacementcompensation function suppresses the impact of thermal displacement
on machining accuracy and stabilizes high-precision machining bypredicting thermal displacement at the machining point, using
temperature information obtained from multiple temperature sensors to

Step 1. Data collection

Step 3. Thermal displacement compensation

Machining

Stabilizes machining
dimensions

Displacement amount

Stabilizes machining dimensions in a shorttime by suppressing displacements throughAI thermal displacement compensation

Compensation
Training data

Warm up operation

Temperature

Prediction
TemperaturePower ON

Step 2. Model development

Displacement without compensation

Machine learning
Automatic generation
No special knowledge required

Thermal displacementcompensation model

Compact, multi-point input, high-resolution temperature sensor input unit

16 sensor channels canbe connected to one unit

38.7mmHigh resolution of 0.01°C
16-bit signed binary output

Enhanced speciﬁcations - Improvement of generic usabilityof the thermal displacement compensation model

Generic usability refers to the capability to accurately predict displacementof not only the machine from which the training data has been collected, butalso of diﬀerent machines. The generic usability of the AI thermal
displacement compensation model development tool has been improved.
This improvement has made it possible to generate models that are notaﬀected by the slight diﬀerences of individual units, resulting in stablecompensation performance .
Eﬀect example 1 (M/C Y-axis)

+169%

130mm

● Conserves space and is capable of handling input
from sensors in multi-points● With high resolution sensor input, extremely precise
thermal displacement compensation is made possible.

+6%

Before improvement

Improved generic usability

Compensation residual

New product: Temperature sensor input unit

This is a new unit for receiving input from temperature sensors.
By focusing on temperature sensor input, the design has become compact
and the number of channels have increased (16 channels).
With a high resolution of 0.01°C, compensation in miniscule units ispossible for high accuracy.

Operation start

Compensation residual

Model development tool

Small size equivalent of
I/O module for connector panel
38.7 × 131 × 130 mm
131mm

Displacement with compensation

Eﬀect example 2 (M/C Z-axis)
+22%

+6%

Before improvement

Improved generic usability

Unit 1

Unit 2■ New function: Suppressing chatter vibration by the spindle speed variation function
Chatter vibration may occur in turning when changing machining
conditions such as increasing the machining speed or cutting
depth. This produces resonance between the workpiece and tool,and is an impediment to highly eﬃcient machining.
The spindle speed variation function is a new function thatsuppresses chatter vibration caused by resonance duringmachining, by changing the spindle speed periodically.
Compared to common chatter countermeasures, such as decreasing
the cutting depth or spindle speed, this function does not aﬀect themachining time, enabling suppression of chatter vibration without
sacriﬁcing productivity.
This function is particularly eﬀective for turning long workpieces,in which chatter vibration easily occurs.

Workpiece

Spindle speed

Periodically changing speed

Function OFF

ON

s
Tool
Time
Function OFF

Chattered surface(Deterioration of the
cutting surface)

Function ON

No chattered surface(Machining surface
improved)

4

FANUC NEWSROBOT New Product: FANUC Robot LR-103A/10
FANUC has developed and started distribution of the LR-103A/10, a
new fully covered robot that has a long reach and is highly dust/liquid
resistant, while being lightweight and compact.
● The LR-103A/10 is a lightweight model featuring a maximum load
capacity at the wrist of 10 kg, maximum reach of 1,101 mm, andweighing just 46 kg, which is less than 1/3 of conventionalmodels. It mounts to the ﬂoor, upside down, or at an angle.
● The standard dust/liquid protection of the LR-103A/10 has
an IP67 rating, which enables it to ﬂexibly accommodate
various environments including machine tending applications. In addition, its slim body allows for installation
without disturbing the conveyor ﬂow, and can be utilized ina wide range of applications including picking in thelogistics industry, for which demand has been growing inrecent years.

FANUC Robot LR-104A/10● The wiring, air piping, and solenoid valves are integrated
inside from the robot base to the upper arm. There being
no protrusion of the cabling and piping makes it ideal for
oﬄine teaching.
● As a teaching device, a tablet TP, which has a large screenthat allows for easy, intuitive operation, can be used besides
the conventional 3Pendant.
With its lightweight, compact size and high resistance to harshenvironments, as well as ease of use, the LR-103A/10 will contribute toimproving the productivity of our customers.

Transportation of workpieces

ROBOT New Function: support of MQTT communication by FANUC robots
Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) is a data communication
protocol using the Publish-Subscribe messaging model. FANUC robots
now support the MQTT publisher function, as a part of reinforcing IoT
functions at production sites.
As a communication function related to IoT, FANUC robots alreadysupport MTConnect and OPC-UA communication. The newly introduced
MQTT is a communication protocol that is more lightweight than theother communication protocols and is suitable for more customized IoT
environments.
When this function compliant with the MQTT protocol is speciﬁed as asoftware option, the FANUC robot becomes the Publisher (data sender) of
MQTT, and the position data, names of programs in operation, alarm orsignal status , etc. of the robot can be obtained and monitored via a
network.
The R-303B Plus/R-303B Mate Plus series robot controllers can send
MQTT data independently, without adding a PC or any special hardware.
FANUC will continue to enhance the communication functions of ourrobots, so as to contribute to the streamlining of production sites using
IoT technologies.

MQTT
Publisher

A FANUC robot sends data using the MQTT protocol
and an external server acquires information on theoperation status of the robot.

5

ROBOMACHINE New Product: ROBOSHOTα-S3B series
Roboshots are high-performance, highly reliable electric injection
molding machines that adopt the latest CNC and servo technologies. Their highly-rigid and low-friction mechanisms achieve

ROBOSHOT 1-S504B
Clamping force 500kN

stable precision molding in a wide range of ﬁelds, from theproduction of general purpose parts including automobiles andmedical equipment, to ultra-precision parts for mobile phones.

ROBOSHOT 1-S1004B
Clamping force 1000kN

ROBOSHOT 1-S1504B
Clamping force 1500kN

21.5" large display unit oﬀers superior operability
Equipped with a 21.5" large display unit PANEL 3H Pro,
operation usability is improved.

Settings

Monitoring● The dual display of the parameter settings and monitoring screens improves operability. The screen can beswitched to display the operation screen of the second
Dual display (parameter settings + monitoring)
injection unit or the instruction manual.
● The operation monitoring software ROBOSHOT-LINK32
can be displayed in full screen mode to support the
introduction of IoT in molding plants.
● Swiping and multi-touch operations are supported for
intuitive operation.

Easy switching
Operation screen of the second injection unit

Instruction manual

Full-screen display (ROBOSHOT-LINK32)

Is able to work with robot systems for automating
molding plants
FL-net realizes easy connection with a FANUC robot
and superior operability.
● A Roboshot and a FANUC robot can be connected with a single
Ethernet cable.
● The robot take-out position can be automatically adjusted
in conjunction with the eject position of a Roboshot.
● FANUC robots can be remotely operated from theRoboshot screen.

Robot operation screen on the ROBOSHOTROBOSHOT-QSSR※ QSSR is an abbreviation of “Quick and Simple Startup of Robotization,”
representing the concept of easy connection between a CNC and a robot.

ROBOSHOTs conform to safety standards,
enabling their use in molding plants worldwide.
Roboshots conform to ISO 20430 (JIS B 6711 in
Japan), which is the international safety standard for
injection molding machines. Roboshots can be usedsafely in manufacturing sites around the world.
● An electromagnetic lock that prevents the safety
door from opening during operation now comes asa standard feature. The electromagnetic lock is
eﬀective until the motor completely stops to protect
workers.
● The thermal insulation cover that satisﬁes strict
European safety standards is equipped on thecylinder heater part as a standard feature.

ISO 20430:2020 (Issued in April 2020. The international safety standard for injection molding machines)
JIS B 6711:2021 (Issued in March 2021. The Japanese industrial standard based on ISO 20430)

6

FANUC NEWSIoT New Product: FANUC AI Servo Monitor
AI Servo Monitor is a software for Windows OS PCs that analyzes waveform data of FANUC servo motors and spindle motors.
- Establishes a mechanism for failure prediction using waveform data of a servo motor or spindle motor built into amachine tool without sensors.
- Setting operations are simple, and only requires making a connection with MT-LINK3 and selecting the measuringconditions (machine, axes, data collection time).
- Automatically processes the collection and analysis of waveform data and visualizes the long-term condition of themachine tool with the "anomaly score."- No detailed observation of data is required, since the machine condition is expressed simply by the anomaly score.
- Maintenance and inspection of machine tools can be planned based on changes in the anomaly score.
- Support for software introduction is provided as a supplemental service for the ﬁrst year (described in the introductionof new services for Japan. For other regions, please consult each local oﬃce.)
Analysis starts automatically after establishing a LAN
connection and completing setup which is easy.
※ MT-LINK3(sold separately) is required for datacollection.

※PC (hardware) and network connection are to be prepared by the customer.
※Windows is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in
the United States and/or other countries.

The anomaly score increases

Case study: The linear guide in a machine tool was damaged- The mechanical unit was primarily checked based on the increase in the anomaly score, and damage to the linear guide was found.
(No eﬀect was observed in machining at this point.)- Quality defects, long production downtime and machine damage may have occurred if operation had been continued. This was prevented beforehand.
- The customer praised the product stating that it was helpful in predicting a failure that could not have been detected merely by daily observations or checks, or thebuilt-in measuring system of the machine.

Damage of the linear guide on the feed axis
was found upon inspection.
(The retainer and rolling element were
scattered.)

Increase of the anomaly score of AI Servo Monitor

IoT

FANUC MT-LINK3

MT-LINK3 is a software for Windows OS PCs that collects data of various equipment and facilities in a plant, for easy management of operations.

■ New Function- This function collects CNC data of the "Tool Life Monitoring" function from multiple machine tools, and displays the elapsed percentage of the toolʼs lifetime in real time.
By displaying from the shortest remaining tool life in ascending order, it becomes possible to eﬀectively prepare for tool replacement (option).
- A function for coordinating with AI Servo Monitor (software which is sold separately) has been added. This function has made it possible to collect waveform data that canbe utilized in AI Servo Monitor while managing the operation of machine tools.
Centralized monitoring of tool life

Monitors theelapsed time of thetool life in real time

Tool Life Monitoring

Tools can be narrowed down
according to the following :- Equipment name- Path- Signal name- Tool life consumption rate (%)

Tool life consumption rate (%)
is displayed by tables andgraphs(up to 20 tools on one screen)

Coordination with AI Servo Monitor
PC
Up to 20 units

MT-LINK4

AI Servo Monitor

Data collection

The anomaly score is
calculated and analyzed
Analysis

Ethernet

7

SERVICE New Service: FANUC AI Servo Monitor Maintenance Service
With the launch of AI Servo Monitor, which was described in the introduction of new products, FANUC has started
maintenance services of AI Servo Monitor for our customers.
Support is oﬀered for the startup of the software, problems in operation, version upgrades, among others.
In addition to maintenance service, remote waveform check support** is available for AI Servo Monitor (**some services
incur charges).
AI Servo Monitor has been developed for the purpose of providing support for detecting signs of failure of the spindle
axes and feed axes of a machine tool and thus is a product that is expected to contribute to the prevention of sudden
facility downtime.
Through this new service, FANUC will provide support so that our customers can introduce AI Servo Monitor with peaceof mind and utilize this software to improve productivity.
Features of AI Servo Monitor- Visualization of the anomaly score of the servo/spindle drive system using machine learning- Relatively easy to introduce (MT-LINK3 which is necessary for data acquisition is a prerequisite).
MT-LINK4

AI Servo Monitor

Checking the operation status
Checking alarm information

Telephone/Web conference

Checking the anomaly score of the servo motor
Checking the servo data waveform in parts nearwhere the anomaly was foundCustomer■ Expansion of applicable products: FANUC

FANUCContact

FabriQR Contact is an inquiry service available in Japan, utilizing a smartphone. It enables customers to make inquiries
with their smartphones using the FabriQR label on the machines, eliminating the need to search for serial numbers orservice phone numbers. In addition, photos can be attached as necessary, to reduce the time required to ﬁnd a solution. No
registration or special application is necessary to use the service.
FabriQR Contact is immediately available for newly delivered robots or Robomachines.
For inquiries about a FANUC product without a FabriQR label, contact our Call Center as usual.

Products which can use FabriQR Contact
ROBOMACHINE

Newly delivered machines(May 2021 or later)

ROBOT

Newly delivered machines(June 2021 or later)

FA, ROBOT and ROBOMACHINE

Products covered by a maintenance contract, or
robots and ROBOMACHINEs that have beeninspected by a FANUC service representative

How to use FabriQR Contact

For more information,scan this code.

1. Scan the FabriQR label on the machine with a smartphone camera and access the displayed URL.
2. Follow the guidance displayed on the screen and enter your inquiry and necessary information.
3. After examination of the content of your inquiry by FANUC, an appropriate skilled service engineer
will contact you by phone.
8

Introduction of FANUC Factories

FANUC NEWSThe newest machining factory
Machining Factory No. 5 located in the headquarters areaat the foot of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, is thenewest machining factory and it has been machining partsfor robots and Robomachines since April 2019. The factoryhas eight sets of FANUC Robot Cells, each of which consistsof an automated warehouse, six machine tools, and six
robots, and performs long-term continuous unmanned
operation. In this newest machining factory, automation ismore advanced than in the older machining factories.
In the conventional automatic setup system of a FANUC
Robot Cell, a robot would pick up workpieces of various
sizes with a servo gripper, and vision sensors would
measure their positions to enable correct mounting of theworkpieces to the ﬁxtures. However, chip removal after
machining was heavily dependent on manual work; inparticular, for workpieces with complex internal structures,such as robot parts, chip removal took time. In the latest
automatic setup system, a washing booth has been
provided inside the system, so that now a robot picks up a
workpiece and changes the workpiece orientation inside
the washing booth to perform chip removal. The robot also
has a gripper equipped with a vacuum function. With thisfunction, places where chips and coolant accumulate on
the workpieces are vacuumed. In addition, anotherproblem that accompanies long-term unmanned operations
is the disposal of chips coming from machine tools.Up tonow, manual work using a manned forklift was necessary
to replace a bucket ﬁlled with chips with an empty
bucket. In this factory, the chip bucket replacement has
been automated using AGVs that supply materials to the
ROBOT Cells and carry out machined parts. For the robot
deburring system, the conventional system consisting of
two small robots that performed deburring has beenchanged to a system consisting of one large robot
holding the workpiece and one small robot doing thedeburring. Having a large robot hold the workpiece andallowing the workpiece orientation to be freely changed
has expanded the application range of deburring using
robots. For the inspection process, automation of image
inspection of scratches and porosity, and tap inspection
for machined and deburred parts are being promoted.
Factory monitoring consisting of prediction of defects
and intermittent stopping of robot systems is carried out
by monitoring the operation of machine tools, robot
systems and progress of machining, as well as byvisualizing the measurement data of CMM (Coordinate
Measuring Machine) and various kinds of robot data. In
addition, parameters such as the amount of mist that is a
cause of deterioration of the factory environment, tool
information (remaining tool life, etc.) that aﬀects factory
operation, coolant concentration, and battery levels of
AGVs are monitored.

Washing by a robot by dipping in water

Grip-type robot deburring cell

Tool information

AGV battery voltage
9

FANUC Robot CRX-103A
The 10th Techno-Economics Innovation Award JATESʼs Chairman Award
The FANUC Robot CRX-103A received the 10th
Techno-Economics Innovation Award JATESʼs Chairman Award. This is the fourth award that the CRX
has received, following the METI Minister's Award of

the Ninth Robot Award, the Main Prize of the 2020
(63rd) Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Best Ten New ProductsAwards, and the Nikkei Business Daily Awards of the2020 Nikkei Superior Products and Services Awards.

Four grand awards!

From right: Kenji Yamaguchi (President and CEO, FANUC), Hiroto Ishida (Vice Chairman, Japan
Techno-Economics Society), Kiyonori Inaba (General Manager, Robot Business Division,
FANUC) Kenichiro Abe (General Manager, Product Development and Research, FANUC)
The CRX is a collaborative robot that is safe, easy touse, and highly reliable that automates manual production sites without safety fences. The CRX robots, which
are easy to use even for ﬁrst-time robot users, makeﬂexible and simple automation a reality.

Four Seasons of FANUC

The Techno-Economics Innovation Award has been granted
every year since 2012. It aims to promote innovation byrecognizing great innovations that have signiﬁcantly revolutionized the world and introduce the processes of suchinnovations to industry members to revitalize the economy.
The award ceremony was held on February 15 (Tue), at Josui
Kaikan. President Yamaguchi and General Manager Kiyonori
Inaba of FANUC received the certiﬁcate and trophy from Vice
Chairman Ishida of the Japan Techno-Economics Society.

In April, snowfall was followed by days which were as
hot as summer. At this time of year, when the change inseasons is acutely felt, ﬂowers and mountain vegetables

start to appear. Cherry blossoms, magnolias, and otherplants begin to bloom one after another, announcing thelate arrival of spring to the forests surrounding FANUC .

Trillium tschonoskii
These small yet dainty white ﬂowers catch theeye as they bloom in clusters against a backdropof brown after the snow has cleared.

Aralia sprout
Aralia sprouts are also known as the king of mountain vegetables. Sharp thorns protrude in place of leaves or branches on
their singular stems which grow straight up to reach the skies.

Japanese royal fern
Japanese royal ferns are one of the most common
mountain vegetables. They are edible only when their
sprouts are tightly curled and covered in fuzz. Afterthey grow, their leaves spread widely like feathers,changing the scenery into a vivid green forest of ferns.
10Highly reliable, high-performance wire electrical-discharge machine

FANUC ROBOCUT 1-C4C series

FANUC NEWS

Received the Main Prize of the 2021 (64th) Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Best Ten New Products Awards
The highly reliable, high-performance wire electrical-discharge machine, the "FANUC ROBOCUT α-C3C series" received
the Main Prize of the 2021 (64th) Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Best Ten New Products Awards.

ROBOCUT 1-C4004C

ROBOCUT 1-C6004C

Received the Main Prize ofthe 2021 (64th) Nikkan Kogyo
Shimbun Best Ten New
Products Awards

The award-winning FANUC ROBOCUT 1-C4C series
In recent years, wire electrical-discharge machines have been required to produce high-precision molds for electricvehicles and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. There has been a growing demand for machines that cansatisfy the ever-rising level of precision, while being capable of high-speed and stable production. To meet suchdemands for high-speed/high-precision machining, FANUC developed the ROBOCUT α-CiC series. This new series
features improved basic performance by changing the structure of the mechanical unit, improving electrical components, and developing the discharge control 3Pulse3. Furthermore, the α-C3C series incorporates FANUCʼs newest
display unit, PANEL 3H Pro, to further improve the operating rate and ease of use.
The mechanical rigidity has been strengthened by the structural change in the mechanical unit, realizing a circularity of
0.9 µm and a pitch accuracy of ±1 µm. The improved electrical components and the new 3Pulse3 has enhanced corner
accuracy and machining surface roughness, enabling high-speed and high-precision machining of ﬁtting surfaces witha clearance of ±2 µm.

The Main Prize of the2021 (64th) Nikkan
Kogyo Shimbun BestTen New ProductsAwardsThe Best Ten New Products Awards sponsored by Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun are awarded to
products selected from new products developed or commercialized that year for theircontribution to Japanʼs manufacturing industry and reinforcement of Japan's international
competitiveness.

11

FANUC's History Series 4“High Pulse Motor”
A motor in which output in the high-speed range wasradically improved by adopting a unique structure using a
cut core to signiﬁcantly reduce eddy current loss. FANUC's
NC and high pulse motor greatly promoted the spread ofnumerically controlled lathes in Japan. The motor was
adopted in many NC machines due to its advantage of notusing hydraulic pressure. However, there was a limit to its
practical application as the amount of noise and vibration
increased in the pursuit of greater output. For this reason, it
could not replace the electrohydraulic pulse motor.

3580 Shibokusa, Oshino-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi 401-0597 Japanwww.fanuc.co.jp
No part of this publication may be reproduced or duplicated without permission.
©FANUC CORPORATION August. 2022