A view of Mount Fuji from the New Research Center cafeteria
Photo taken on February 20, 20182018-Ⅰ

2017 International Robot Exhibition
The International Robot Exhibition was held for four days from
November 29 (Wednesday) to December 2 (Saturday) at Tokyo Big
Sight.
In addition to SCARA robots, collaborative robots, super heavy
payload robots, and the Genkotsu robot, we also showcased manysystems that apply robotics to various applications, such as welding.
For IoT technologies, we showcased the FIELD system and ZDT (Zero
Down Time), among others. We also showcased our factory
automation (FA) and ROBOMACHINE, and introduced the"one FANUC" and "Service First" initiatives.
The system that gave away free “FIELD-onbei” cup noodles using acompact collaborative robot that was installed next to the reception
desk was very popular and attracted many visitors.
The FANUC booth was kept busy with many visitors throughout the
four-day exhibition period.

SCARA robots Collaborative robot giving away “FIELD-onbei” cupnoodlesFour new SCARA robots (SR-3+A and SR-6+A, two robots for each model) weredisplayed along the main passage as featured products.

Collaborative robot Genkotsu robot Displayed the CR-15+A, a newmodel with a payload of 15kg, forthe first time.

2

Many visitors were impressed with Demonstrated assembly using a
the ease of use achieved with acollaborative robot with a payload
compact handguidance and +HMI. of 35kg.

Its speed and dexterity
gathered a lot of attention.

Super heavy payload robot 

3D vision sensor 

Washing robot 

Painting robot Many people were impressed withthe powerful motion that can lift avehicle up to 6.2m high.

Displayed the new 3D vision
sensor that can be mounted ona hand for the first time.

Demonstrated high-pressure
washing using small and large
washing robots.

Many people were impressed by thecompactness that was achieved by integrating
a 7-axis painting robot and a door opener.

FANUC IoT and AI zone 

Many people were impressed with the
FIELD system as an open platform that canbe connected to anything.

In the ZDT area, robots in the booth wereconnected to the network to monitor theoperation status.

Regarding deep learning, the method to automatically extract
the characteristics of scars and to learn the assessment
criteria to perform pass/fail evaluation was displayed.

Green QSSP allows users who are notfamiliar with robots to easily connect with arobomachine.

Introduced the downtime reduction tool andservice website accessible from mobile
devices.

one FANUC zone 

Operation management using MT-LINK+ andthe display of integrations between the CNC
and robots.

FANUC Robot Global Partner Reception 2017
The FANUC Robot Global Partner Reception 2017 was heldon the night of November 30 (Thursday).
We invited 123 global partners who are selling FANUC
robots to participate in the reception from Japan and othercountries.
Trophies were awarded to 28 companies as a token of our
gratitude for their daily sales activities. The Grand Award
was awarded to DAIDO Corporation, and Special Awards
went to US-based ACIETA, Germany-based LEWA, and Chinabased JIANGSU CENGLARY ENGINEERING & TRADING.
The wonderful reception provided us with a sense of unity
with our global partners, and gave the partner companies
the opportunity to deepen the bond among themselves.

3

Introduction of New Products and New Functions (FA)■ Cycle Time Estimate Function
FANUC has developed a new function to accurately predict theprocessing time when operating a processing program in themachine tool.
Represented by complicated and time consuming mold processing,
this function can be used to schedule various processing.
● ‌This function is applied to the lathe, machining center, laser, andpunch press, so it can be applied to a variety of machines.

+HMI Cycle Time Estimate Function● ‌This function simulates the CNC motion and quickly estimate thecycle time with high precision.
(About 1/20 of the actual processing time with an error margin of
about ±5%.)

FIELD BASE Pro● ‌Prediction is easier and more accurate because the execution timeof the auxiliary function, which was manually set in the past, is
now automatically measured by the CNC.
(The FIELD system version is scheduled to support this function in
September 2018.)● ‌This function is also useful for preparing tools to be used,adjusting the processing path or for other purposes because you
can predict the time and distance per feed rate or rapid traverse
rate and the information on the execution time of the auxiliary
function, in addition to the total processing time and total travel
distance.

Ethernet

Operation screen

FIELD Cycle Time Estimate Function

You can choose one of the following three types for your application:
1.PC version:	‌This version can be used as the PC version processing time prediction function that operates on
the PC in combination with the NC guide.
		‌As this version can also be embedded as a library, the processing time prediction function canbe used in the customer's application.
2. PANEL iH Pro version :	‌This version can predict the processing time on the machine as the iHMI Cycle Time Estimationin the FANUC iHMI application.
3. FIELD system version :	‌This version can predict the processing time of the machine connected to the FIELD system as
the FIELD Cycle Time Estimation in the FIELD system application.

■ Fiber laser system that supports the multi-functional machine
FANUC has developed a fiber laser system that is equipped with laser
processing functions, such as fine processing or quenching, which turn thelathe or machining center into a multi-functional laser machine.
This system contributes to an increase in productivity through combined
processing.
(1) Series 30+/31+/32+-B laser control function option
The laser control function option is a software option that adds
laser processing functions to the lathe or machining center to makethem a multi-functional laser machine.
This option can be added to the Series 30 i/31i/32 i-B.
● Diverse‌laser processing functions with proven results for sheet metalor other processing can be added.
―Laser output command―Processing condition setting function―Gap control for laser processing and other features● High-speed‌
laser control synchronized with axis control can be easily
added to the machine tool to support fine processing, additive
manufacturing and other processing.

Fine
processing

Additive
manufacturing(2) FIBER LASER FF500+/FF1000+-A
The FANUC FIBER LASER series is a high-output fiber laser oscillator that
supports a variety of fields including metal processing and welding.
FIBER LASER FF1000+-A
New FIBER LASER FF500i and FF1000i-A models with a laser output of 500 W
and 1000 W respectively have been added to models with a laser output of 2 kW to 6 kW in the lineup.
This series supports many different applications, including fine processing, additive manufacturing, welding, andquenching.
● With‌a compact housing that can be mounted in a 19" rack, this series can be easily added to a lathe or machining
center using the laser control function option in the Series 30i/31i/32i-B.
● Laser‌beam suitable for the processing allows deep penetration, displaying excellent cutting performance even withmedium-thick mild steel plate.
4Introduction of New Products and New Features (ROBOT)■ FANUC Robot SR-3+A, SR-6+A
FANUC has developed and launched SCARA robots, FANUC Robot
SR-3iA and SR-6iA, which are optimal for assembling electronics
and high-speed transfer.
With high motion and usability, these robots contribute to anincrease in productivity in the manufacturing field.
● ‌The SR-3iA and SR-6iA are 4-axis, horizontal, articulated-type
robots with a payload of 3 kg (SR-3iA) or 6 kg (SR-6iA).
With a light body and high-speed and high-precision motion builtwith the latest control technology, these robots can be used in avariety of applications, such as mounting components on the PC
board and aligning parts.
These robots also support a dense system layout because theirslim arm can avoid interference with the peripheral equipment.
● ‌Wiring around the hand is easy because the solenoid valve ismounted in the mechanical unit and a hollow shaft is adopted.
● ‌FANUC has developed a new compact controller, the R-30iB
Compact plus, in line with the development of these SCARA
robots.
Although the size is compact, this controller provides the latest
intelligent functions from FANUC including iRVision.
● ‌Since the teaching operation can be performed from a PC ortablet without having to use a dedicated teach pendant, evenusers who are not familiar with robots can easily perform theteaching operation.

SR-3+A

SR-6+A

R-30+B Compact Plus Controller■ PC and tablet teaching function, +RProgrammer
FANUC has developed the iRProgrammer function to create robot
teaching programs from a PC or tablet device.
● ‌Robot programs can be created easily using the table-format
position editing function in the graphical operation environment.
● ‌The jog operation of the actual robot and program execution canalso be performed using soft keys on the screen.
● ‌Initial robot setup or the setup of each function can be performed
with menu operations in this function as well.
● ‌This function runs on a web browser on the PC or tablet device
connected to the robot controller via Ethernet.

+RProgrammer

FANUC will continue contributing to the expansion of automation
application fields by improving the usability of robots.

Table-format position editing function

Jog operation panel

5Introduction of New Products and New Features (ROBOMACHINE)■ AI functions for ROBOMACHINEAs the first AI functions for ROBOMACHINE, FANUC and Preferred Networks (PFN) have jointly developed
the AI thermal displacement compensation function, which improves the performance of ROBODRILL and
ROBOCUT, and the AI backflow monitor function, which improves the preventive maintainability of
ROBOSHOT.

● AI thermal displacement compensation function(ROBODRILL and ROBOCUT)

ROBODRILL
α-D+B series

FANUC has developed and applied the AI thermal displacement compensation
function to the ROBODRILL α -DiB series and the ROBOCUT α -CiB series.
The AI thermal displacement compensation function predicts the thermal
displacement of the machine due to changes in the temperature or motion
conditions by using AI (machine learning) technology and improves thecompensation precision.
Multiple temperature sensors placed at different parts of the machine andmachine learning have improved the compensation precision compared toconventional models.
● Application of machine learning
Optimal compensation is realized by collecting a large amount of thermal
displacement data under many different environmental and motion
conditions and by processing the data with the machine learningtechnology.
With built-in learned models, this function can be deployed immediately.

ROBOCUT
α-C+B series

Displacement

20

Before compensation

After compensation(past)
0

10

20Time [hr.]

30

40
30
20
Before compensation

After compensation (now)After compensation
(now)
40

ROBODRILL
Compensation result of the Z axis (example)

Roomtemperature30

Displacement

40

Room
temperature● Improvement of compensation stability
The placement of temperature sensors and the use of temperature data
are devised to continue compensation even if temperature sensors fail.

After compensation (past)
0

10

20
Time [hr.]3040

ROBOCUT
Compensation result of the upper guide section (example)

During data collection● AI backflow monitor function (ROBOSHOT)FANUC has developed the AI backflow monitor function to estimate thewear amount of the screw tip for the ROBOSHOT α -SiA series.
● Application of machine learning
The ROBOSHOT is equipped with a backflow monitor to monitor resin
behavior (backflow) during injection by using the servo technology.
The AI backflow monitor is a function to estimate the wear amount of thescrew tip from the backflow during molding.
Built-in learned models are created by applying machine learning to alarge amount of data collected under many different conditions andassociating the backflow with the wear amount of the screw tip.

New

Wear amount● Realization of preventive maintenance
Maintenance becomes more efficient because you can check the wear
status of the screw tip on the ROBOSHOT screen without additional
sensors.

ROBOSHOT α-S+A series

Worn by 3 mm
Worn by 2 mm
Worn by 1 mm

Not worn

6

Worn

Wear in progress

New productTimeFIELD system

Winner of the 2017 (60th) Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Ten Great New Products Awards Masuda Award
Winner of the 2017 Nikkei Outstanding Product and Service Awards Highest Award
User data

Application license
information user
management information（according touser request）

Variousapplications

Exclusive
converter

User data（on premise）

Machine tools,
industrial machines, PLC etc.

FANUCʼs products

Winner of the 2017 (60th)
Nikkan Kogyo
Shimbun Ten Great New
Products Awards

Sensors,
Exclusive machines etc.

Winner of the 2017 Nikkei
Outstanding Product andService Awards HighestAward

Masuda Award

Won two awards!

Winner of the 2017 (60th) Nikkan
Kogyo Shimbun Ten Great New
Products Awards Masuda Award

Winner of the 2017 Nikkei Outstanding
Product and Service Awards Highest
Award

The Ten Great New Products Awards are awarded by
Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Ltd. to products developed orcommercialized by participating companies during theaward year that support the development of
manufacturing industries and improve the international
competitiveness of Japan.
The award ceremony was held on January 29 (Monday) at
Keidanren Kaikan, where President Imizu of Nikkan Kogyo
Shimbun Ltd. presented an award certificate and a plaqueto Chairman Inaba of FANUC.

The Nikkei Outstanding Product and Service Awards areawarded by Nikkei Inc. once a year to outstanding new
products and services.
The award ceremony was held on February 7 (Wednesday)at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo, where President Okada of
Nikkei Inc. presented a certificate and a bronze statue toChairman Inaba of FANUC.

Award winner: FIELD system

The FIELD system is an open platform specialized for the manufacturing industry and developed for edge heavy
computing, in which large amounts of data go through high-level processing near edge devices.
This system can be connected to various devices within the factory floor, making it possible to visualize the
manufacturing process, conduct preventive maintenance, perform advanced analysis using AI, and control devices inaccordance with analysis results.
By registering as a FIELD system partner, companies can freely develop and sell applications and converters.
By downloading applications and converters as necessary, companies can build systems that are suitable for different
types of manufacturing sites.
7

Introduction of the FANUC Factory Mibu Laser Factory
The Mibu laser factory manufactures fiber laser and carbon dioxide gas laser.
20,000 units have been produced from 1987, when production started at the factory, to November 2017.
Currently, 500W to 6KW fiber laser and 1KW to 6KW carbon dioxide gas laser are manufactured in the factory.
In October 2017, FANUC built a new three-story factory building with total floor area of 32,000 m2 at the premises ofMibu factory in Tochigi Prefecture and moved laser factory to this area from the headquarters.
The current monthly production capacity of 100 units can be increased to up to 400 units in the future.
On the first floor, FF Laser, a joint company of FANUC and Furukawa Electric, manufactures LD modules, which are thecore part of the fiber laser. Fiber laser is manufactured on the second floor while carbon dioxide gas laser is manufactured
on the third floor.

External appearance of the Mibu laser factory

Automatic manufacturing line of LD modules by FF Laser Corporation (1st floor)

The unique LD module manufacturing line on the first f loor integrates the LD module manufacturing
technology of Furukawa Electric, which includes a 1/1000mm high precision core adjustment process, withthe automation system that utilizes FANUC robots.
In addition, the ultraprecision nano machine tool, ROBONANO α -0 iB, is used for the ultraprecise processingof mirror holder for carbon dioxide gas laser.
On the second f loor, high-precision assembly and fiber laser tests are performed in the clean room, which isstrictly managed by monitoring the temperature, humidity, and particle amount.
On the third floor, the automatic test system using the FANUC CNC efficiently tests the carbon dioxide gas laser. FANUC isworking to further improve its quality using an inspection system that measures the curvature and reflectivity of opticalparts.

8

Mirror holder processing using the ROBONANO α -0+B (1st floor)

Assembly of fiber laser (2nd floor)

Automatic carbon dioxide gas laser test using the CNC (3rd floor)

Inspection of curvature and reflectivity of optical parts (3rd floor)Exhibition Information● Smart Factory EXPO

Overview ・‌Period: January 17 (Wednesday) – January 19 (Friday),2018
・Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
Key exhibit・FIELD system(Explanation of concepts, introduction of various
application software, exhibition of small-scale and largescale system hardware, introduction of “Connect
Everything” for various edge devices, explanation ofservice and support structures, introduction of the
FIELD system store, and introduction of FIELD system
partners)● ‌The 17th International Nanotechnology Exhibition(nanotech 2018)

Overview ・‌Period: February 14 (Wednesday) – February 16 (Friday),2018
・Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
Key exhibit・‌Demonstration of Head Up Display mold machining
using ultra precision machine tool・‌Smart measurement package (SMP) that integrates theperipheral equipment of nanomachines・‌FANUC’s precision molding technology・‌FANUC’s latest CNC and nano control servo・‌FANUC’s IoT technology and AI control technology・‌Services● The 4th Interphex Osaka

Overview ・‌Period: February 21 (Wednesday) – February 23 (Friday),2018
・Venue: Intex Osaka
Key exhibit・‌High-speed transfer systems for cosmetics
・Compact collaborative robots and iHMI
・High-speed alignment system for cosmetic samples
・High-speed alignment system for medical products
・Alignment system for containers
・FIELD system
・Application consultation corner

FA Foundation Research Paper Award Ceremony

President Matsuno

President Yamaguchi

On December 8 (Friday), the 2017 FA Foundation Research Paper Award Ceremony was held at the Kazan Kaikan
Conference Center.
This foundation aims to improve automation technologies for engineering and industrial machines, and to contribute toJapan’s industrial and economic development by recognizing outstanding research achievements on FA and industrial
robot technologies.
For this year’s award ceremony, seven research papers were chosen in total for the award from bodies of work
recommended by the Japan Society for Precision Engineering, the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Robotics
Society of Japan, and others based on an objective and thorough review.
9

Visiting Users
Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. is a worldclass total supplier of automotive equipment.
With their corporate vision of “contributing
to a prosperous society by creating newvalue for people, cars, and society,” Hitachi
Automotive Systems is driving the growth of
the automotive society forward.
We visited their facility in Kori, Fukushima, andspoke to Mr. Murakami, who is the managerof the Industrial Science Section, Suspension
Division, Driving Control Department.

Please tell us about your company’s
history and business domain.

Murakami: Our company was started in 1930, when ourparent company, Hitachi, began the manufacture ofautomotive equipment. After that, Hitachi merged with
Unisia JECS and Tokico in 2004.
Five years later in 2009, we separated from Hitachi andbecame Hitachi Automotive Systems.
We have over 10 facilities in Japan, including the Atsugi
Works, Sawa Works, and Yamanashi Works.
Here at Fukushima Works, we began manufacturing
shock absorbers in 1980. Today, we not only build
mechanical shock absorbers, but also electronicallycontrolled shock absorbers.
We have many facilities overseas in places like China,
North America, and Europe. In recent years, we have been
focusing on expanding our facilities in China and Mexico.

Please tell us what makes your company
unique.

Murakami: We are what you would call an independent
total supplier, so we do not limit ourselves to certain
brands and we provide automotive equipment tocustomers all over the world.
We also leverage the strength of the Hitachi Group to
conduct technological development and productMr. Murakami

development together with Hitachi and Clarion.
Today, there is a growing demand for digitized
technology, such as for safety improvement and selfdriving technology. We focus on proactively pursuing thedevelopment of digitized products, such as electronic
control units and hybrid systems.
Furthermore, we also handle a wide range of automotive
parts, such as stereo cameras, ECU, VTC, hybrid motors,
and inverters. We provide our customers with theseproducts as an entire system, which has been highly
evaluated.

Your company has been using many
FANUC robots. Could you tell us why you
began using our products, and yourthoughts on it?

Murakami: At Fukushima Works, we manufacture semiactive suspensions.
In the beginning, manufacturing took place in manual
production lines, but when we decided to expand
manufacturing of semi-active suspensions, we considered
automating our production lines.
That was when we began using FANUC robots. Today, we
are using many FANUC robots not only to transfer parts,
but also for assembly and welding.

View of Fukushima Works10

We are still using old machines at our Japanese facilities,
but FANUC provides repair services and maintenance foroutdated machine parts, which we are grateful for.

Please tell us if you have any requests thatyou would like to make to FANUC.

Installation of a FANUC Robot in the suspension welding line (Fukushima Works)

Murakami: At our company, we use many units of
ROBODRILL, and we rarely have any problems with them.
However—and this perhaps cannot be helped due to thestructural design of the machines—when we try to
perform complex machining, we often do not have enoughtools.
When we need to perform machining for a wide varietyof parts, we have to change the tools every time, so it
would be great if we had Robodrills with more ATCs.
(Interviewer: Shingo Numoto, Public Relations Department)

You have been using many of our FANUC
ROBODRILLs.
Please tell us your thoughts after using them.

Murakami: When I was posted at our factory in the
Czech Republic, we installed a system that combined theFANUC ROBODRILL and the FANUC robot.
The compatibility between the two was seamless; we neveronce had a breakdown or failure.

How would you evaluate FANUC?

Murakami: We have many facilities not only in Japan, but
all over the world.
FANUC has many service sites around the world, so if we
use FANUC products, we have access to the same services
provided in Japan at our overseas facilities.
I think this is one of the greatest strengths of FANUC, andit has helped us a great deal.

Installation of a system that combines the FANUC ROBODRILL
and the FANUC robot (facility in the Czech Republic)

Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. (http://www.hitachi-automotive.co.jp/index.html)▶ Representative Director and CEO: Hideaki Seki ▶ Capital: 15 billion JPY (wholly owned
by Hitachi) ▶ Revenue: 992.2 billion JPY (March 31, 2017, consolidated) ▶ Number of
employees: 40,100
Headquarters ▶ Address: Shin-Otemachi Building, 2-1, Otemachi 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku,
Tokyo, 100-0004 Japan
Fukushima Works ▶ Address: 3-2 Narita Nakamaru, Kori-machi, Date-gun, Fukushima
Prefecture, 969-1652 Japan

Four Seasons of FANUC
On a cold February morning, a green pheasant stopped by the forest of FANUC for a visit.
Its brilliant colors and dignified look stood out against the bright, snowy white landscape.

11Ultra Precision Machine with Enhanced Ease of
Use and Sustainability

Milling processing(curved surface)

Cutting processing

HUD mold processing

Clock parts

Milling processing(groove)

Hologram

FANUC News 2018-Ⅰ
Oshino-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi 401-0597 Japanwww.fanuc.com/
Phone: (81) 0555-84-5555
Fax: (81) 0555-84-5512
Person in charge of publishing:
Kyoko Takatsugi
Reprint or reproduction is not permitted without permission. All rights reserved.
©FANUC CORPORATION August 10, 2018 Printed in Japan