NEWS 2021-Ⅲ
CONTENTSTOPICS− EMO2021− Introduction of New Products and New Functions[FA] [ROBOT] [ROBOMACHINE]− Introduction of a FANUC Factory ["Partial automation"of manufacturing processes using robot modules]− The 17th All Japan Student Indoor Flying Robot
Contest− Four Seasons of FANUC

Photo taken November 2021

FANUC NEWSFANUC exhibited a total of 16 latest robots, with the �irst
introduction to the world of the M-10003A, a large
handling robot with a payload of 1,000 kg, and theLR-103A/10, a full-coverhandling robot with apayload of 10 kg. As forcollaborative robots, 5units were exhibited
consisting mainly of theCRX series, with visitors
being able to actuallyexperience their ease ofuse.

As for IoT products, a total of 21 solutions including applications
from 11 FIELD system partner companies were exhibited. Casestudies using actual devices were presented which enabled
visitors to understand improvements �irst hand.

The ROBOMACHINE exhibit highlighted new models consisting of the ROBODRILL α-D3B
Plus, ROBOSHOT α-S503B, and ROBOCUT α-C4003C. Live demonstrations of high-speed andhigh-precision machining as well as molding were performed along with proposing acomplete production automation package by integrating robots.

The exhibits of optical component molds whichwere machined by ROBONANO α-NM3A
attracted the interest of visitors for its highshape accuracy.
In the Service area, FANUC’s advantages were highlighted on ascreen, such as having 271 service locations around the world and ahigh stock-to-sales ratio of spare parts in Europe, as well as theexcellent feedback of our services in many countries.

3For those who were unable to visit physically, we set up a virtual booth on the Internet and showed demonstrations whichwere conducted at the venue and broadcast messages to the world using videos and other material.

EMO2021
EMO MILANO 2021 was held in Milan, Italy, for six days from October 4 (Monday) to October 9(Saturday) in 2021. Although the exhibition was scaled down to half the size of the previous exhibition
due to the impact of COVID-19, it attracted attention as the �irst machine tool exhibition to be held in awhile in Europe, with approximately 60,000 visitors from 91 countries.

At the FANUC booth, we introduced solutions that can be provided as "one FANUC" tomanufacturing sites, and performed many live demonstrations, including automation madepossible by combining machine tools and robots.
In the FA (factory automation) zone, the FANUC Digital Twin Concept wasexhibited inside a huge tunnel. A visual presentation of this concept, which
included videos of work done on site, was displayed on the left and rightsurfaces of the tunnel for machine manufactures and users to see, and washighly appraised.

FANUC's QSSR G-CODE allows theuser to give commands to a robot
using the same G-code used formachine tools. This also attracted agreat deal of interest.

Shares of CNCs on exhibited machines and ROBOTs at EMO [Internal count]Company C
29 units
8.1%

2Company B
33 units
9.2%

Others64 units
17.8%

FANUC
156 units
43.5%

Company A
77 units
21.4%

CNC sharesCompany H
3 units
Company G
2.8% Others
64 units
3 units 2.8%
17.8%
Company F
4 units 3.7%
Company E
7 units
6.5%

総台数359台
Total number of units: 359

Company D
18 units
16.8%

FANUC
57 units
58.3%
Total number of units: 107

Robot shares (excluding robots in FANUC’s booth)Introduction of New Products and New Functions
FA FANUC CNC Digital Twin Concept
FANUC continues to improve the functionality andperformance of FA products, including CNCs, servo
motors, and lasers. By adopting the concept of digitaltechnology (DX) in a “Digital Twin CNC,” the streamliningand optimization of designing machine tools and work atmachining sites are accelerated.

①Machine design

DigitalApplication development
tool・CNC technology in the real world and digital technology areconnected, and the feedback from real machine tools are re�lected indigital technologies such as simulations.
・Ef�iciency and convenience in a series of tasks such as machine
design, machining, and maintenance are improved, enhancing
machining performance. This enables machine manufacturers andmachine users to improve productivity.

②Machining- Machining program optimization- Estimation of a surface to be machined- Creation of a robot motion path

③ Maintenance- Remote maintenance- Parts procurement

Machine, CNC, and robot information

RealApplication
CNC settings

Programsetting data

procurement
Servo data ・Parts・Operation data

Maintenanceinformation■ New Function - Surface Estimation
Surface Estimation is a useful new function for improving
machining ef�iciency, which follows the CNC digital twinconcept. This function estimates the surface to bemachined before actual cutting, by running the machining
Position information
program on the machine without load and using the(air cut)measured servo position data of each axis. Although theimpact of machining conditions such as tools is not
Machine toolconsidered, a machining result that is close to the actual
Servo position data
machining result is estimated by simulating the machine tool operation
using digital technology. Using this function eliminates unnecessary trial
and error during cutting, resulting in improvements in productivity.

Surface Estimation■ New Product - FANUC 3PC

The FANUC 3PC is an industrial PC proposed by FANUC under its CNC
digital twin concept to help support digitalization in manufacturing.
For digitalizing manufacturing, the FANUC 3PC can be introduced in avariety of ways, including installment on a network or as an addition
to existing equipment. With its compatibility with CNCs and highreliability including noise immunity and cutting �luid resistancedeveloped through our experience in developing CNCs, the FANUC
3PC introduces digital technology to machining sites.
A multi-touch compatible capacitive touch panel (FANUC TOUGHTOUCH) is used as a human-machine interface which allows smootherand more intuitive operation. FANUC TOUGH TOUCH can signi�icantly
reduce the risk of errors in operations due to noise, which has been
an issue with conventional capacitive touch panels, with noise
immunity, and mistakes caused by cutting �luid, water, and even when
wearing gloves.
FANUC TOUGH TOUCH can also be used as a CNC display with PC
functionality as a successor to the former PANEL 3H Pro.

Book type24.0-inch wide LCD unit

FANUC TOUGH TOUCH

4

FANUC NEWSROBOT New Product - FANUC Robot M-10003A
FANUC has developed the M-10003A, a large heavy payload robot with awide motion range and 1,000 kg wrist payload.
● The M-10003A is FANUC’s largest robot to feature a serial linkmechanism. The J3 arm can stand upright and rotate backwards.
This wide range of motion allows the robot to operate in variouslayouts.

● With a wrist payload of 1,000 kg and strong wrist performance,
this robot can transport heavy and large workpieces, such asbattery units for electric cars, which are recently in high demand,and long construction materials. Its arm is designed for highrigidity, allowing the robot to support machining applications suchas drilling holes.

FANUC Robot M-10004A● The wrist of the robot has dustproof and waterproof featuresequivalent to IP67. As such, the M-10003A can be used safely
even in an environment where dust, chips, and droplets arescattered.

● In addition to the conventional 3Pendant, a tablet-type teach pendant
which enables intuitive operation can be used. It is an easy-to-use
robot even for �irst-time FANUC robot customers.

Leveraging its wide motion range, high payload capacity, and ease of use,
the M-10003A contributes to improving productivity for customers.

Moving a battery unit for electric vehicles

ROBOT New Function - CNC Custom Macro Variable Access Function
As a new function for FANUC robots, the CNC custom macro variable
access function has been released. This function allows a FANUC robot tobe easily connected to a FANUC CNC �itted to an existing machine.

● With this function, the custom macro variables of the CNC can beread and written from the robot program.
● The robot can be noti�ied by the CNC when machinining is �inished.
Also, the robot program or CNC subprogram to be executed
according to the macro variable value is selectable.

Connecting the CNC and the robot
with only one Ethernet cable● The robot’s servo hand position data can also be written to theCNC’s macro variable to inform the CNC of the size of the castworkpiece gripped by the robot.

● With this function, robots can be connected to FANUC CNCs whichwere built in 2000 or later that support embedded Ethernet. Since
additional software options or changes in the ladder programs on
the CNC are not required, it is convenient when adding a robot to an
existing machine tool.

FANUC will continue to promote the integration between CNCs androbots, to further contribute to factory automation.

5

Reading and writing the CNC's macro variablesfrom and to the robot's programROBOMACHINE New Product - ROBODRILL α-D3B Plus seriesHigh machining
performance

Minimizing
downtime

The ROBODRILL is a high-performance, highly-reliable
compact machining center that employs FANUC's latest CNCand servo technologies. With its highly rigid mechanicalstructure and wide variety of spindles, the ROBODRILL canHigh machining

高い加工性能performance

Ease of use

be used in a broad range of applications, from mass production of aluminum and steel parts to machining of
dif�icult-to-cut materials such as stainless steel and titanium,along with simultaneous 5-axis machining using an
additional rotary table.

While maintaining high machining performance and reliability as before,
productivity has been further improved by thoroughly reducing inactive time.
● The non-cutting time has been reduced by using the fast cycle time
technology of the latest CNC Series 313-MODEL B Plus.
●The programming know-how for achieving the fastest operation of theROBODRILL has been converted into G-code as a dedicated canned cycle.

Series 313-MODEL B Plus

● The tapping spindle, which reduces spindle acceleration/deceleration
time and heat generation, has been added to the lineup of spindles. It isoptimal for light cutting of aluminum parts.

Synchronous spindle motor
for tapping spindles

Minimizing downtime

Aiming for "Reliable. Predictable. Easy to Repair." FANUC has developed
new functions to minimize downtime.
●The slide covers of each axis have been improved to enhance chip
removal and cover durability.
● The preventive maintenance and restoration functions have beenenhanced to reduce downtime due to sudden malfunctions.
● The PC software, ROBODRILL-LINK3, is useful for collecting data on theoperating status of machines and devices throughout the factory,
enabling improvements in the operating rate.

Z-axis telescopic cover

ROBODRILL-LINK3

Example of a custom screen

Ethernet setting screen
6Easeof use
使いやすさ

In addition to the new screens to improve usability, the range ofcustomization has been expanded to suit the ways of use.

● Frequently used screens can now be displayed easily from the menuof favorite screens.
● The custom screen function allows users and peripheral equipment
manufacturers to register up to 15 screens.
● The enhanced network function setting screens contribute to theintroduction of IoT in users’ factories.FANUC Factory Introduction

FANUC NEWS"Partial automation" of manufacturing processes using robot modules
The Mibu Factory, which manufactures CNCs and servo ampli�iers, is working on the automation of manufacturing processes
using robot modules, aiming to streamline manual processes
and reduce manpower.
A robot module is a modular device developed for FANUC’s own
factories. The module consists of a robot, a controller and someperipheral equipment (e.g. power supply, air supply andnetwork), which are placed inside a standardized frame. By
adding a hand used for work, and other peripheral devices suchas a table, the robot module can be used in various processes.
The robot module is covered with a transparent shield, and therange of movement of the robot is limited to the area within theshield by the dual check safety (DCS) function, thus ensuring thesafety of the operator. (Some collaborative robot modules do not
require a transparent shield.) One advantage of the robot
module is that it can easily be moved to another location andstarted up immediately, by merely connecting the power supply,
air supply and network.
FANUC’s manufacturing processes depend on the production
planning of each case. One is "fully automated or semi-automated processes" and another is "manual processes." Recently,"partial automation" is frequently applied, in which somemanual processes are automated using robot modules. In
manual processes, the workers can share their work with robots

Outer view of a robot module (LR Mate type)

7

Robot module applying sealantthat excel at repetitive work and work that requires stable quality.
In such a manner, workload and manpower are reduced, andstability in quality and productivity are improved. Due to being
standardized and being versatile, robot modules have reduced thecost of automation. Also, it is easy to change the line layout, and set
up can be completed in a short time.
Examples of “partial automation” using robot modules in ourfactory, can be seen in the seal dispensing process and the screw
fastening process in assembling printed circuit boards. By
automating the seal dispensing process, quality has stabilized (e.g.
quantity and position). Combined with the reduction of theworkload of workers, productivity is doubled. In the screw
fastening process in assembling printed circuit boards, “partialautomation” reduced manpower by one person and improved
productivity by 20%.
Since less expensive and simple “partial automation” can be
implemented easily, it is useful in improving the quality ofordinary manual work processes, decreasing manpower andimproving productivity. In addition, when there is a suddenchange in manufacturing plans, or a wide variety of products insmall quantities are required, “partial automation” is able torespond �lexibly, such as by easily changing the layout, andef�iciency can be con�irmed immediately. “Partial automation” iswell received on site for promoting improvement activities.

Overall work scene (one worker, one robot module)

Robot module fastening screws on a PCB

The 17th All Japan Student Indoor Flying Robot Contest
The 17th All Japan Student Indoor Flying Robot Contest washeld from December 17 (Fri) to December 19 (Sun) at theOta-City General Gymnasium. This time, the contest wasconducted by taking measures to prevent the spread of
COVID-19, such as taking peoples’ temperatures, disinfecting
hands, and registering participants in advance.
This contest was intended to encourage students to engage inthe “making of things,” but more importantly to develop
human resources in aircraft design, control and other areas. Atotal of 48 teams from universities, technical colleges, highschools, and vocational schools across Japan, from Okinawa toHokkaido, participated in the contest.
Participants conducted missions such as transporting goods
and �lying with an autopilot system, and competed in �light
performance, control technology, and �lying techniques.
FANUC is a special sponsor of this contest where students,
who have the skills to immediately engage in company work,
gather together. At this contest, the FANUC Award was granted
to the Tokyo Metropolitan College of Industrial Technology
who won the �irst place in the autopilot category.

Exhibition of a robot (CRX-103A)

Students competing in the Indoor Flying Robot Contest

Four Seasons of FANUC

In late autumn in the FANUC forest, many plants and trees
bear fruit, and birds and squirrels scurry about in search ofthis blessing. Here are some of the fruits and �lowers that adorn
the FANUC forest as it prepares for the onset of winter.

Japanese honeysuckle

Rosa multiﬂora

The glossy dark purple berries are eye pleasing.
This plant has white to pale pink �lowers in earlysummer, which gradually turn yellow. By this change incolor, it is also called kinginka (literally, “gold-and-silver�lower”). It is also known as ninto (literally, “enduringwinter”) from the way it tolerates the winter cold
without shedding leaves.

Despite the alure of the bright red berries, trying to touchthem will be a stinging experience as they have small sharpthorns.
Fragrant pure white �lowers bloom from spring to summer
and many berries appear in autumn, presenting a delightfulsight.

8FANUC's History Series 3「FANUC 250」

FANUC's �irst CNC. In 1964, the FANUC 250 was developed byconverting a small-scale computer used in factory processcontrol systems, known as JOB MASTER, into a CNC machine.

Simultaneously, the software of the computer was completely
rewritten. This CNC was not intended for general machine
tools. It was delivered to Toyo Kogyo Co., Ltd. (currently,Mazda Motor Corporation) as a CNC for the internal grindingof rotary engines.

FANUC NEWS 2021-Ⅲ
FANUC CORPORATION

3580, Shibokusa, Oshino-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi 401-0597 Japanwww.fanuc.co.jp
Phone: (+81) 555-84-5555
Fax: (+81) 555-84-5512
Person in charge of publishing:
Shunsuke Matsubara, General Manager, Research & Development Promotion / Support Division
No part of this publication may be reproduced or duplicated without permission.
©FANUC CORPORATION May 2022