AMADA revamps in-house showroom: A place for manufacturing innovation

February 28, 2023

AMADA has opened the “AMADA GLOBAL INNOVATION CENTER (AGIC)” at its headquarters in Japan, with a development facility and showroom. The center also has a facility where users can test AMADA’s machines. About 90 models of machines, including newly launched machines to laser processing machines, are placed in the area where the specifications of processing machines and the latest technology are displayed.

The key is “why is this possible?”

On February 3, AMADA established the AGIC by remodeling the showroom at its headquarters in Japan. The center includes a room where users can test their machining operations on AMADA’s machines and an area where the company’s technology is explained. AGIC is more than just an exhibition of AMADA’s products; there is the “Innovation LABO” where users have their own dedicated machining facilities, and the “Innovation SITE” where about 90 models, including new products, are displayed and product specifications and supporting technologies are to explain to visitors “why” AMADA’s machining technology “can do what it does”.

At the Innovation SITE, the company explains its technology through processing demonstrations and other activities.

Regarding the purpose of establishing AGIC, the company explains, “With the advancement of information technology, users are now able to research the specifications of processing machines on their own. It is now more important to provide customers with evidence of the technology and gain their understanding, rather than just making one-sided proposals.

The total floor area is approximately 30,000 m2. Lighting and air conditioning are automatically controlled by sensing the movement of visitors. Solar energy has also been installed and CO2 emissions have been reduced by 50% compared to pre-renovation levels.

To unlock the future of metalworking

Mr Tsutomu Isobe, President of AMADA, says: “We are moving from ‘what can we do’ to ‘why can we do it'”.

Each of the nine rooms in the Innovation LABO is equipped with a processing machine and programming equipment. Users can test machining operations with Amada’s technical staff in one of these rooms. There are also measuring rooms with coordinated measuring machines and other inspection equipment, where users can check the quality of their work immediately after machining.

The Innovation SITE is divided into six areas, such as laser, welding, bending, etc. In each area, actual machines are set up and demonstrations are given by staff. Visitors can also enjoy panels and videos that explain the technology to help them better understand it.

There are also exhibits of examples of visualization of factory operating conditions and various award-winning works.

On the opening day, an opening ceremony was held on the first floor of AGIC, with about 130 people from the company’s users and the factory automation industry attending to celebrate the new facility. Employees from overseas subsidiaries also attended online. In his opening remarks, Mr. Tsutomu Isobe, President of AMADA, said, “It took us three years to open AGIC after discussing new proposals and the ideal shape of the facility. We will work together with our customers to solve problems for the future of metalworking”.

For more information about AGIC: https://www.amada.co.jp/en/agic/