Measuring Technology Expo 2023; Measurement where automation is needed

October 10, 2023

“Measuring Technology Expo 2023” was held from September 13 to 15 at Tokyo Big Sight in Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Companies offering automation solutions in response to labor shortages and other needs stood out.

Mitutoyo (Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki; President: Yoshiaki Numata) exhibited its “Mi-BOT e-system,” a robot system used in combination with the “MiSTAR555” coordinate measuring machine (= photo). The system integrates a work storage rack with a FANUC collaborative robot. “Once all the workpieces are placed in the storage racks, the measurement is completed in a single night,” said the person in charge of the system.

Mitaka Kohki (Mitaka City, Tokyo; President: Katsushige Nakamura) combined its “PF-60” non-contact surface quality measuring machine with a small educational robot from DOBOT (Japan branch in Minato-ku, Tokyo; Founder and CEO: Jerry Liu) of China. “The robot’s positioning accuracy is not very high, but with a given jig setting, it is good enough to be useful. DOBOT is suitable for small workpiece exchange,” said the person in charge of the project.

Kuroda Precision Industries proposed to automate the centering adjustment when measuring round workpieces by using the “Hydraulic Tools” clamping device.