Month: February 2023

Virtual reality (VR) technology is revolutionizing the way industrial automation operates. Transforming the manufacturing sector, VR enables companies to create immersive training environments and digital prototypes that simulate real-world conditions. The benefits of VR in industrial automation are numerous, making it an increasingly popular tool in the industry.

The Brief History of VR

Virtual reality (VR) technology has a history that dates back to the mid-20th century. According to a report by the History of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) research group. In the 1960s, computer scientist, Ivan Sutherland created the first device, the”The Sword of Damocles”. It was a crude prototype that consisted of a head-mounted display and a tracking system. The device enabled users in experiencing computer-generated environments in a way that felt more immersive than any previous computer interface.

In the following decades, VR technology advanced rapidly, especially in the field of military simulation and training. The 1990s saw the commercial sector showing interest in VR technology. This led to the development of more advanced VR systems for use in video games, medicine, and other fields. Today, VR technology is more sophisticated and is used in various applications. This ranges from gaming and entertainment to education and training. Over the years VR technology has become more affordable and there has been wider development in VR software. This makes the technology more accessible to a much broader audience as it rapidly evolves.

VR’s Effect on the Industry

There are different significant uses of VR in industrial automation. One is the creation of virtual simulations of production lines, assembly processes, and operating procedures. This enables engineers and operators to experience the manufacturing process from start to finish in a virtual environment. This improves their understanding of the process and reduces the risk of errors. One report by ResearchAndMarkets, estimates the market to grow from $4.08 billion in 2020 to $9.51 billion by 2025.

Another way VR is advancing industrial automation is through the use of digital twin technology. A digital twin is a virtual model of a physical system. It provides real-time data and insights into the system’s performance. This allows manufacturers to monitor and optimize the performance of their machines in real time, reducing downtime and improving efficiency. MarketsandMarkets, predicts, the digital twin market to grow from $5.72 billion in 2018 to $35.8 billion by 2023.

Furthermore, VR is also being used in training and education in the industrial automation sector. Companies can create immersive training environments for employees. This allows them to experience realistic scenarios without putting themselves or others at risk. Additionally, this not only improves employee safety but also helps employees acquire new skills faster and more effectively.

Virtual reality is advancing industrial automation by providing a safer, more efficient, and more effective way to train employees. It simulates production processes and optimizes machine performance. VR’s versatility and ability to provide real-time data and insights make it a vital tool in the industrial automation industry.

Updated on February 18, 2023 by Ken Cheng

FANUC, (aka FANUC Corporation), is a Japanese multinational corporation. They specialize in the manufacturing and sale of robotics, automation, and CNC (computer numerical control) systems. Founded in 1956, the company has a long history of becoming one of the manufacturing industry’s leading players.

The Beginning

Like any good industry story, FANUC began with three engineers. Seiuemon Inaba, Ichiro Kigawa, and Takeshi Nakamura worked at the Fujitsu Fanuc factory in Japan before establishing FANUC in 1956. The company’s first product, a computerized numerical control (CNC) system, automated turning raw materials into finished products. This revolutionary system significantly increased the efficiency and precision of manufacturing processes. According to the company’s website, Fanuc produced the first CNC system in 1958.

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, FANUC continued expanding its product line, developing new CNC systems and other automation technologies. Specifically, the 1970s saw FANUC focus on establishing itself as a leading manufacturer of numerical control (NC) systems. The company’s sales during this decade were modest, as it was still building its brand and reputation in the market. According to the company’s official website, FANUC’s focus on innovation and customer satisfaction helped it establish a strong foundation in the NC systems market. The company also began to establish a global presence. They opened subsidiaries in Europe and the United States. According to MarketsandMarkets FANUC had established itself as a major player in the global CNC market by the 1970s.

Ending the Century Strong

The 1980s saw FANUC entering the robotics market with the launch of its first industrial robot, the FANUC Robot M-1. The M-1’s success established FANUC as a leading player in the robotics industry. In a report from Technavio, by the early 1980s, FANUC had become one of the leading suppliers of industrial robots in Japan. The company continued expanding its robotics product line throughout the 1980s and 1990s, developing new robots for a variety of industrial applications.

The New Millenium

In the early 2000s, FANUC continued to innovate and grow, expanding into new markets and developing new technologies. The company launched a series of collaborative robots, designed to work alongside human operators. It also began developing AI-powered systems. By the early 2000s FANUC had become one of the leading suppliers of collaborative robots in the world.

Today, FANUC stands as a global leader in the manufacturing industry. They provide products and services used in a wide range of industries. This includes automotive, aerospace, electronics, and medical devices. The company has a strong reputation for innovation and quality, and it continues to invest in R&D to develop new technologies that can improve the efficiency and productivity of manufacturing processes. According to a report from Frost & Sullivan, FANUC is the world’s largest supplier of industrial robots, holding a market share of over 30%.

The company has a long and storied history that has seen it become one of the leading players in the global manufacturing industry. FANUC has established itself as a company dedicated to innovation, quality, and efficiency. They continue to invest in R&D, developing new technologies that can improve the efficiency and productivity of manufacturing processes.

Updated on February 27, 2024 by Ken Cheng