By: Atsushi Kuwasaki, Staff Editor, SEISANZAI Japan 

Contributing to customer productivity improvements 

Okuma held its in-house exhibition “Okuma Machine Fair (OMF) 2025” at its headquarters in Oguchi, Aichi Prefecture, from November 11–14. The event featured 25 machines, including a new compact multitasking machine model, with 12 machines equipped with various automation systems. The company proposed diverse solutions to address labor shortages, declining skilled workers, and other industry challenges while improving customer productivity. 

Approximately 6,000 visitors over four days 

OMF 2025 drew approximately 6,000 visitors over four days

Okuma is addressing manufacturing industry challenges—including labor shortages, declining skilled workers, and the shift to high-mix, low-volume production—through solution proposals centered on its intelligent machine tools “Green-Smart Machine,” which achieve both dimensional accuracy stability and reduced energy consumption. 

The company provides generalized Green-Smart Machines equipped with proprietary intelligent technology combined with automation systems that shop floor operators can easily use, contributing to solving customer challenges and improving productivity. President Dr. Atsushi Ieki stated: “We aim for automation systems that can be operated without relying on system integrators or dedicated robot operators. In other words, we’re promoting automation systems that are easily adoptable even for small and medium-sized customers.” 

OMF, held every two years, offers a chance to closely examine the company’s latest strategies. This year’s OMF 2025, themed around the company’s purpose “Contributing to society through the power of ‘manufacturing services,’” was held from November 11–14 and attracted approximately 6,000 visitors over four days. 

Catalyst for demand stimulation 

The new compact multitasking machine “MULTUS U2000” attracted significant attention

OMF 2025 showcased 25 machines centered on Green-Smart Machines. Twelve of these were equipped with various automation systems, proposing diverse solutions tailored to different machining applications. 

The new compact multitasking machine “MULTUS U2000” drew particular visitor interest. Despite its space-saving design, it can accommodate 80 tools and excels at high-mix, low-volume production of small parts. Another feature is its flat front design that facilitates robot access to the machining chamber. President Ieki expressed high expectations: “It’s optimal for automation and can stably maintain machining accuracy even during long unmanned operations. This model embodies the essence of our technology, and we want it to serve as a catalyst for demand stimulation.” 

Pallet transfer automation systems also drew attention, including a newly developed tower-type 20-surface automatic pallet changer (APC) and “Smart PPC,” a pallet operation panel with improved workability. 

Additionally, the company is pursuing phased automation proposals. At OMF 2025, it introduced machining cells utilizing autonomous mobile robots (AMR) equipped with collaborative robots as an advanced automation system. “We want to support automation for small and medium-sized customers in Japan,” President Ieki emphasized.