Industry Trend Observations and Automation Solutions at JIMTOF 2024 in Japan

Industry Trend Observations and Automation Solutions at JIMTOF 2024 in Japan

By Precision Machinery Research & Development Center
Wu Zhong-Wei (Deputy Director), Li Ying-Yi (Manager), Wu Xiang-Ru (Associate Engineer), Lai Jing-You (Associate Engineer), Jiang You-Wei (Associate Engineer)

The Japan International Machine Tool Fair (JIMTOF), organized by the Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association (JMTBA) and Tokyo Big Sight, is Asia’s largest machine tool exhibition and ranks among the world’s top three alongside EMO in Europe and IMTS in the U.S. Amid global uncertainties such as U.S.-China trade tensions, geopolitical risks, declining birth rates, and labor shortages, leading international machine tool manufacturers showcased their latest technologies and equipment at JIMTOF—such as machining optimization and automation solutions—to attract global manufacturers seeking strategies to mitigate these challenges.

Theme of JIMTOF 2024

This year’s theme featured the Mobius strip (∞), symbolizing infinite possibilities, under the slogan:
“Technologies passed down to the future offer unlimited possibilities.”
The goal is to carry today’s manufacturing technologies into the future and foster limitless collaboration among academia, industry, government, and research institutions worldwide. This vision aims to expand the machine tool industry into diverse fields, integrating both software and hardware technologies and enabling innovative applications across various sectors.

Key Industry Trends Observed

Most exhibitors focused on addressing common challenges in manufacturing, such as:

• Labor shortages
• Productivity improvement
• Quality enhancement
• Difficulty in transferring veteran expertise
• Small-batch, high-mix production

To tackle these issues, many machine tool and component manufacturers proposed solutions under two major transformation themes:

• Digital Transformation (DX): Automation, AI, smart factories
• Green Transformation (GX): Sustainability and carbon neutrality

Digital Transformation (DX)

DX involves implementing automation, intelligence, and AI from single machines to entire production lines and factories to reduce idle time and cycle time, thereby improving productivity and flexibility. Key solutions showcased include:

Automation

Exhibitors demonstrated automation at various scales—from single-unit automated cells (robotic workpiece handling, automatic tool and fixture changes, automated storage) to fully automated factory lines (mobile robots for material handling, chip transport, and line switching). These solutions aim to boost efficiency and productivity.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI applications include:

• Pre-machining preparation: Using Digital Twin technology for virtual simulations to optimize tool paths and parameters, detect potential issues (e.g., machine interference), and prevent errors.
• In-process monitoring: AI-based anomaly detection, fault diagnosis, and adaptive control (e.g., thermal compensation) to maintain quality and reduce losses.

Smart Factory

Smart factories leverage AI, IoT, big data, and visualization for automated, data-driven, and flexible production. Features include IoT-enabled machine connectivity, advanced planning and scheduling (APS), and automatic work changers (AWC) for uninterrupted production—even overnight or on weekends.

Process Integration

Traditional machining requires multiple processes (turning, milling, drilling, grinding, etc.). Process integration combines these into one machine, reducing equipment count and floor space while improving efficiency. Examples include turning + milling + gear skiving, turning + milling + grinding, and turning + milling + additive manufacturing.

Green Transformation (GX)

Energy-efficient equipment is now a key purchasing criterion. Manufacturers showcased solutions such as:

• Monitoring and optimizing energy consumption during machining
• Recycling waste materials and coolant (e.g., DMG MORI)
• Reducing CO₂ emissions through automation and efficiency improvements

Highlighted Automation Solutions

Despite automation being a mature concept, it remains critical for addressing labor shortages and improving productivity. Key innovations include:

• Online Inspection:

  • BIG DAISHOWA – DYNA ZERO VISION: A non-contact tool measurement system using CMOS cameras and LED blue-light strobe for precise tool wear and vibration analysis.

• Anomaly Detection:

  • MITSUBISHI – NC Machining AID: AI-based diagnostic tool for detecting machining anomalies, tool wear, and operator errors using machine learning and current data.
  • THK – OMNIedge: IoT-based system for real-time component health monitoring and predictive maintenance.

• Grinding Automation:

  • JTEKT – Integrated surface roughness measurement on CNC grinders.
  • NAGASE – Integrex AI system for real-time monitoring and predictive diagnostics during grinding, plus AI-based wheel surface analysis (GRIDE EYE®).

• AI Image Recognition:

  • FANUC – AI-powered robotic vision for random part picking and collision-free path generation using 3D sensors.

• Automated Material Handling:

  • THK – SIGNAS: Highly adaptable AGV system for flexible logistics without fixed routes, supporting heavy loads and multi-robot coordination.
  • DMG MORI – AMR2000: Autonomous mobile robot for chip bucket handling integrated with machining centers.

• Machine Cleaning:

  • OKUMA – Sludgeless Tank: Innovative coolant filtration system reducing sludge by up to 99%, minimizing maintenance and environmental impact.

Conclusion

JIMTOF 2024 showcased numerous automation solutions—from material handling and tool changes to AI-driven diagnostics—addressing labor shortages while enhancing productivity and quality. Global machine tool manufacturers continue to focus on DX and GX but now prioritize end-user application needs over pure technology. For Taiwanese manufacturers, this shift underscores the importance of knowing your customer (KYC) and even your customer’s customer (KYCC) to deliver solutions that truly solve pain points and secure competitive advantage.