FANUC Shows New Functions of Machine-Learning and Deep-Learning(1/4)

AI makes advanced machining easier

On April 17 and 18, 2018, FANUC held a “New Product Presentation Exhibition” at its head office in Oshino Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. New

products and functions of NC equipment, robots, and various machines were exhibited in unison. Approximately 9,000 people attended the day event. New

functions using artificial intelligence (AI) and newly developed SCARA robots attracted great attention.

Focus on AI

Despite a rainy two days, the venu was crowded with visitors. In particular, people came to view the display of new products and functions. The display saw constant crowds of people. The AI exhibition drew the most focus. Exhibitors showcased implementation of AI in various areas, including NC equipment, robots, machine tools, and injection molding machines. In the field of FA including NC equipment, a function group “AI Servo Tuning” that focuses on advanced control of machine tools by applying machine learning technology has been announced.

As a first step, FANUC introduced the “AI-Feed Forward” function. It is a function that automatically adjusts various control parameters to suppress vibration during acceleration and deceleration. Vibration suppression enables high-quality machining.

In the robot display area, the “AI assisted picking of bulk material” function was on display. The robot automatically learns the order of picking out a peace of bulk material using deep learning technology.

In the area of electrical discharge machines, “RPBPCUT” and the cutting machine “ROBODRILL” were displayed and the “AI Thermal Displacement

Compensation” function was demonstrated. Using machine learning techniques, the relationship between machine temperature and thermal displacement was clarified.

Exhibitor Preferred Networks, has been assisting in developing such AI technologies since 2015. “We intend to introduce smart robots and smart machine tools  that can learn deeper in a wider range of business fields and provide new value to manufacturing sites,” Yoru Nishikawa, the president of Preffered Networks commented.