About the Growth Strategy Fund | Ishikawa Prefecture

Toward Zero Manual Labor—Aiming for Full Automation of O-Ring Installation

Overview

In many manufacturing plants, it is common practice to produce products by combining multiple machines and processes.
However, our company is working to develop a system in which a single robot handles the entire process from start to finish, right up to the completion of the final product.
In this project, we are automating the installation of “inner-diameter O-ring” installation—which was previously performed almost entirely by hand— to automate the installation of “internal diameter O-rings”—a process that was previously performed almost entirely by hand—and aim to complete a robotic package system that could become the definitive solution for automation.

Contents

1. Development of a Robot Gripper Mechanism Capable of Automatically Installing "Inner-Diameter O-Rings"
2. Establishing Integration with a Robotic Packaging System Capable of Consistently Positioning O-Rings in Their Designated Locations

Consortium

Kanazawa University, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Frontier Engineering, Associate Professor Norihiro Nishimura
We aim to realize the mechanism of an inner-diameter O-ring using as few actuators as possible.

Achievements and Outlook

The implementation of this system will not only reduce costs but also it will minimize idle machine time and allow for space-saving installation .
As a result, the system is expected to gain widespread adoption among many small and medium-sized enterprises that operate manufacturing plants.