Here, we introduce some of UNISOLs’ unique solutions, developed in response to what customers want to achieve and the problems they need to solve.
Using AI to fully reproduce expert-level component processing
Key aspects of this solution
“The experience and intuition possessed by skilled operatives is vitally important for precision processing of machinery components.”
People have continued to think this way for many years. Today, however, with the rise in the average age of skilled operatives and a lack of successors to take on their roles, we are entering a new era in which the technical skill of these specialists is being reproduced by artificial intelligence (AI). The ARUMCODE AI system is one example of this. Just from reading the design drawings, the system is able to generate programs for machining components within a very short space of time. A high level of accuracy can still be faithfully reproduced even in the case of complex shapes where micron-level precision is needed for machining. Operatives can undertake small-volume production of a large range of different products with short delivery times even without a high level of expertise in processing, thereby helping manufacturing firms that are affected by labor shortages to realize enhanced productivity and lower costs.
What customers can experience through this solution
- Even production sites that are experiencing labor shortages can handle small-volume production of a wide range of products with short delivery times
- Operatives who do not possess experience and intuition cultivated over many years can still realize high-precision machining of complex components with the program
- The complete automation of programming operations that used to be very time-consuming can provide cost savings
Video introducing ARUMCODE
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Using AI to monitor cows that will soon be giving birth, to support safe calving
Key aspects of this solution
“With the labor shortage, there is so much work that needs doing from morning till night. I really need some way to reduce the burden.” UNI-MOW, which makes effective use of IoT technology, helps to solve the problems facing farmers who may be experiencing this kind of situation. Calving stalls can be monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year using IP cameras; any signs that a cow may be about to give birth are detected using AI, and the farmer is notified using a special app. UNI-MOW’s AI algorithm can be used for both Japanese Black cattle and Holstein cattle. By having UNI-MOW keep an eye on the cows instead of needing people to do the job, the burden on farmers is reduced. Also, by reducing the risk of incidents during calving and make cattle-raising management more efficient, the use of AI can make the cattle-raising industry more attractive to young people who might otherwise be reluctant to take up a career in this field.
What customers can experience through this solution
- A reduction in farmers’ workload in the cattle-raising industry, which is experiencing serious labor shortages
- Being able to strive for enhanced productivity with fewer incidents during calving, and more healthy calves
- The opportunity to realize more efficient cattle-raising management, which could attract more young people into the industry
Video introducing UNI-MOW
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Maintaining and repairing historic buildings safely using a method that does not require welding
Key aspects of this solution
The most dangerous thing that can occur when undertaking maintenance or repair work on a historic building is a fire. To improve resistance to earthquakes, wooden buildings often need to be reinforced with steel framing, but this normally involves welding, and if sparks start to fly around during the welding process it can start a fire, potentially putting operatives’ lives at risk and causing serious damage to a building of great historic value. To ensure that work on historic buildings can be completed safely and properly, the best option is UNISOL’s Column Coupler jointing method, which does not require any on-site welding. This method allows the steel frame reinforcement to be affixed to wooden pillars with high precision using only bolts to fix it in place, with no naked flames required. Column Coupler makes it possible for maintenance and repair work to be completed rapidly with uniform quality, without the need for highly-experienced operatives.
What customers can experience through this solution
- Welding is not required, which eliminates the risk of fire, enabling historic buildings to be repaired safely
- Jointing can be performed with high precision, and without variation in quality caused by disparities in operatives’ skill levels
- As the reinforcement just needs to be attached to the wooden pillars (rather than having to perform welding), the time needed to complete the work is substantially reduced
Video introducing Column Coupler
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The first step toward making a factory carbon neutral is visualizing its electric power usage
Key aspects of this solution
Achieving carbon neutrality is a challenge shared by the whole world. Particularly in the case of factories that consume large amounts of electric power, finding ways to reduce CO2 emissions is an urgent priority. However, if you cannot determine precisely how much electric power is being used by each item of equipment, or what the total electricity consumption of the entire factory is, then it will not be possible to achieve progress in making energy use more efficient. UNISOL’s WimFactory system for visualizing electric power usage offers a solution for companies that are concerned about this. With the installation of various types of sensors on each item of equipment, WimFactory enables the collection of data on energy use throughout the factory to be implemented in real time. The collected data undergoes high-level analysis using AI. Being able to visualize the amount of electricity consumed makes it possible to identify which items of equipment have low energy efficiency, so the factory can focus on formulating measures that target these items, thereby realizing an efficient energy-saving strategy.
What customers can experience through this solution
- Being able to determine, for an entire factory, how much electric power is being used by each item of machinery
- Having the ability to make energy use more efficient, and thus reduce the amount spent on electricity
- Being able to reduce CO2 emissions and become carbon neutral
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Combating rust with laser light to increase the lifespan of infrastructure and ensure safety
Key aspects of this solution
The Laser Keren® cleaning device, which utilizes laser light to remove rust, is now being widely used to extend the lifespan of infrastructure. Rust, which corrodes metal, can be fatal for infrastructure such as bridges and roads. Keeping infrastructure safe requires periodic rust removal, but getting rid of rust by hand at height and when dealing with oddly-shaped structures can be challenging and time-consuming. With Laser Keren®, it is possible to rapidly remove rust from high places and from difficult-to-access nooks and crannies, as long as light can penetrate into them. Using this technology also reduces the amount of dust and noise which is generated during the cleaning process. Laser Keren® contributes toward maintaining the safety of infrastructure and reducing costs, while also protecting the health of operatives.
What customers can experience through this solution
- Being able to remove rust from bridges and extend their lifespan while keeping maintenance and management costs down
- Having the ability to efficiently remove rust from high places, and from structures that have complex shapes or challenging materials
- Being able to reduce the amount of dust and noise generated during rust removal operations, and safeguard operatives’ health
Rust removal using Laser Keren®