Cixi Xinke Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.cxxinke.com
The market demand for robots rapidly expands.
At the International Robot Exhibition 2017 (iREX2017) held in Tokyo, Japan, from November 29th to December 2nd, a record number of 612 companies from 14 countries and regions participated, showcasing cutting-edge robotic technologies. The event highlighted the growing trend of human-robot collaboration, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and deep learning, all of which are shaping the vision of the "Future Factory."
Robot giants such as ABB, FANUC, Yaskawa Electric, KUKA, and others seized this opportunity to unveil their latest innovations. From collaborative robots that work side-by-side with humans to smart systems that enhance automation, the exhibition was a hub of technological excitement and forward-thinking ideas.
ABB made waves by launching the single-arm Yumi robot, an evolution of its popular dual-arm model introduced in 2015. Designed for tasks like assembling small parts, the new one-arm version is expected to hit the market in 2018. According to ABB’s robotics president, An Shiming, the expanded applications of Yumi—such as solving Rubik’s cubes or handling delicate items—were driven by customer demand, showing how flexible and adaptable these machines have become.
FANUC showcased its advanced systems, including a 3D vision-based pre-process preparation system and deep learning-enabled robotic picking solutions. These innovations allow robots to detect, sort, and handle complex objects with greater precision, reducing the need for manual intervention. Meanwhile, the company emphasized the importance of IoT integration, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance across entire production lines.
ABB also demonstrated its "Painting Machine with IoT," which uses embedded chips and sensors to track the performance of key components, ensuring timely replacements and improving operational efficiency. This level of connectivity is becoming essential in smart factories, where data-driven decisions drive productivity.
Mitsubishi Electric presented experimental technologies, such as AI-assisted 3D vision systems, which simplify robot programming and make automation more accessible. These developments signal a shift toward more intuitive and user-friendly robotic systems, making them viable for a wider range of industries.
The exhibition also featured emerging startups like Mujin, which has quickly gained recognition in the robotics space. With strong demand from both traditional and new customers, many companies are struggling to keep up with orders, highlighting the rapid growth of the global robotics market.
In China, the demand for automation has surged, driven by rising labor costs and the need for higher-quality manufacturing. Companies like Guangzhou Taiwei Machinery, a partner of Fujitsu, are seeing increased interest in robotic solutions that improve efficiency and reduce reliance on manual labor.
As the industry continues to evolve, it's clear that robots are not just replacing humans but enhancing their capabilities. With advancements in AI, IoT, and collaborative systems, the future of manufacturing looks more intelligent, efficient, and interconnected than ever before.