Precisely

In Japan, DENSO WAVE is pioneering new territory　in robotics, making robots that are progressively　safer, more durable and simpler to use. The focus is　on customer goals.

-By Roberto De Vido

IN 1921, THE CZECH WRITER Karel Čapek introduced the word “robot” to the modern language when he wrote R.U.R., subtitled Rossum’s Universal Robots. Čapek’s play became immediately popular around the world. Many more robots followed in fiction and film, with perhaps the most famous, R2-D2 and C-3PO, helping the Star Wars franchise earn box office revenues of more than USD 6.5 billion to date.

Today, there are millions of robots in service around the world in industrial and consumer settings – vacuuming floors, blowing up landmines, manufacturing semiconductors and exploring Mars. In recent years, consumers have been able to purchase robotic dogs and other mechanized companions. Soon robots will care for elderly people.

The Japanese company DENSO CORPORATION began developing industrial robots in 1967, and in the early 1980s it developed 4-axis and 6-axis robots that have almost unlimited freedom of movement. DENSO subsidiary DENSO WAVE now develops the company’s robotics technologies – robots that are productivity tools, designed to maximize the efficiency of processes in the manufacturing of precisely engineered products, including medical instruments and automobiles.

Masatoshi Kojima, Director of DENSO WAVE’s Controller Business Engineering Division, explains that the company aims to develop robots that are progressively safer, more durable and simpler to use. “In designing robots, we look at our customers’ goals,” Kojima says. “Faster robots allow improved productivity, well-designed robots allow efficient use of factory space, and we always strive for improved usability and maintainability.”

DENSO WAVE’s need for leading-edge technologies and solutions laid the foundation for its partnership with Trelleborg. In demanding industrial environments, DENSO WAVE’s 6-axis robots must be impervious to elements that might degrade their operational efficiency. Trelleborg’s sealing technology provides world-class performance in a wide range of environments.

Yoichi Higuchi, Managing Director of Trelleborg Sealing Solutions in Japan, explains that support for the robotics industry is a major focus for Trelleborg in Japan. “In general, Japan is among the leaders in global robotics development,” he says. “And while the focus of the industry is global, with the Olympics to be held in Tokyo in 2020, and other events such as the Rugby World Cup before then, there is a strong feeling in Japan right now that the country has a unique opportunity to develop and showcase its technological ability.”

“ Our relationship is extremely　collaborative; we are not simply　asking Trelleborg to supply to　our specification.”

- MASATOSHI KOJIMA, Director of DENSO WAVE’s Controller Business Engineering Division

Higuchi continues, “In Japan there are many companies that can supply technologically sophisticated products, and in that environment, price becomes the main differentiator. Our relationship with DENSO WAVE is much more solutionsfocused, which is the way DENSO WAVE works with its own customers globally. DENSO WAVE is always looking for a very high-quality – and often, mission-critical – solution, and our ability to collaborate closely with them to find the best result, appropriate to a wide range of customers and applications worldwide, is our main strength.”

Kojima adds, “Our relationship is extremely collaborative; we are not simply asking Trelleborg to supply to our specification. In developing unique solutions for our customers, we rely on our partners to tell us what is possible and what is not possible, while at the same time striving to continually improve our specifications.”

Higuchi says the growth potential of the robotics industry appears unlimited. “Since the start of factory automation, robotics manufacturing has grown steadily but not spectacularly,” he says. “Today the situation is changing. Artificial intelligence and other technologies will greatly expand the ways in which robotics can support manufacturing and operations. It’s an exciting time to be working in this area.”

“ Our relationship with DENSO WAVE is much more solutions-focused, which is the way DENSO WAVE work with its own customers globally.”

- YOICHI HIGUCHI, Managing Director of Trelleborg Sealing Solutions in Japan