Japanese robotics maker, Mujin Inc., said it will open the Okazaki Office as a new base in the fall of 2024. This will be the company’s second robotics innovation center in Japan. This strategic step is in line with the business expansion in the Mikawa region of Aichi Prefecture, one of the world’s expanding manufacturing industrial clusters.

Specifically, the Okazaki Plant has an area of approximately 1,600 square meters. It will provide three types of value to customers in the Mikawa region. These include robotics innovation, test area and after-sales support.

Robotics Innovation Center

In the new base, the company will make demonstrations of next-generation intelligent robots that can only be found in Mujin. Among them include a returnable box depalletizing/palletizing robot that realizes flexible in-plant logistics automation and a teachless bulk-picking intelligent robot.

By viewing the actual machine instead of photos and videos, customers can develop a concrete image of how to solve problems at production sites.

Test Area

Additionally, it is possible to perform tests using workpieces used at the customer’s site. By testing the customer’s work in advance using an actual robot in the test area, it is possible not only to decide on its introduction with more peace of mind, but also to shorten the customer’s on-site start-up period.

After-sales Support

Also, the new Okazaki Plant will create an after-sales support system to respond immediately to breakdowns and maintenance. It will establish the shortest supply system to realize early start-up.

The company has an abundant inventory of spare parts to prevent loss of production opportunities for customers.

Background of Okazaki Office

In recent years, the need for automation has increased in the manufacturing industry in addition to continuing labor shortage. Specifically, the necessity rises against the backdrop of soaring labor and delivery costs, prevention of technology drain, and others. However, the reality is that automation has not progressed as expected with conventional methods. Primarily, this is due to the normalization of variable-mix, variable-volume production.

In response to this, the Toyota Group was one of the first to start automating the logistics and transportation processes in its factories, which had previously been supplemented by human labor. Primarily, it adopted an automation solution using Mujin’s automated guided vehicles (AGV). In addition, Mujin’s unique support system has received high evaluation. Thus, the introduction of Mujin automation solutions within the Toyota Group has been expanding over the past few years.

Recently, Mujin has seen a sharp increase in inquiries from customers other than the Toyota Group, mainly in the automotive industry. Primarily, this is attributed to the combination of past implementation records and the ever-serious social setting.

In addition, the automation of hundreds of types of returnable box sorting tasks is often used at manufacturing sites. Thus, the overwhelming capabilities of Mujin’s “returnable box depalletizing/palletizing intelligent robot” have been well received by each finished vehicle manufacturer, and delivery is progressing.

Therefore, Mujin has decided to open the Okazaki Office to quickly respond to the needs of customers in the Mikawa region. Specifically, it highlights a next-generation automation solution that combines general-purpose intelligent robots and non-fixed AGVs. Also, it aims to build an environment where customers can see actual machines closer to each other and strengthen the support system.

This is an online translation of a Japanese press release with slight editing made by Dempa.

-20 June 2024-