[FingerVision Co., Ltd.] Selected for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries SBIR Phase 3 Fund Project for 560 million yen, and started technology demonstration of cell production robot
*View in browser* *FingerVision Co., Ltd.*
Press release: January 4, 2024
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Adopted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries SBIR Phase 3 Fund Project for 560 million yen, technology demonstration of cell production robot started
*[FingerVision, a university-originated company developing tactile sensing technology]*
Multi-item plating robot developed by FingerVision: multiple ingredients can be handled with the same robot system
FingerVision Co., Ltd. (Representative Director: Yuki Nono) aims to expand the scope of application of robots and machines and solve various social issues through the practical application of
visual-tactile technology developed by Carnegie Mellon University and Tohoku University in the United States. FingerVision) was selected for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ Small and Medium Enterprise Innovation Creation Promotion Project, with a grant limit of approximately 560 million yen under the theme of “Development and demonstration of smart technology for use in the food industry.” Through this initiative, FingerVision will upgrade the “multi-product plating robot” that it has introduced to food factories into a cell production type robot system to address various management and field issues in the food industry. .
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Small and Medium Enterprise Innovation Creation Promotion Fund Project
(Phase 3 Fund Project)
The “Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Small and Medium Enterprise Innovation Creation Promotion Fund” created by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries targets large-scale technology demonstrations (Phase 3) for startups and others to lead to social implementation. FingerVision formed a consortium with Connected Robotics Co., Ltd., Closer Co., Ltd., and others for “Development and demonstration of smart technology for use in the food industry” from among a number of open call themes, and responded to the first public call. We made a joint proposal.
In the first public call, 25 projects (29 companies) were selected out of 111 applications (139 companies), with the theme of “Innovation and social implementation of food handling technology in the food industry” being selected. is exclusive to this consortium.
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:
https://www.affrc.maff.go.jp/docs/press/231228.html
Technology demonstration aimed at by FingerVision
In the bento and prepared food industry, which produces a wide variety of products,
– 1. Line production type “Production with a conveyor-type production line staffed by about 15 people, with high throughput and large production volume.”
– 2.* Cell production type * “By having each person work
multi-skilled without using a conveyor-type production line, production is possible with low to medium throughput and variable production volume.”
These two production methods are used depending on the requirements of the production site. Under these circumstances, through this technology demonstration, FingerVision will proceed with development targeting the latter “2. Cell production type”. Specifically, when producing bento boxes using cell production, one person must perform a series of steps such as supplying containers, arranging multiple types of side dishes, checking and inspecting the overall finish, and closing the lids. , we will develop a robot system that allows one robot to complete a series of these tasks as a multi-skilled worker. Regarding the particularly difficult task of “plating multiple types of side dishes,” we will use the “multi-product plating robot” that we have developed and introduced for line production as the base technology (launching pad) for technology demonstration. We aim to achieve this goal reliably and quickly.
Added value of cell production robots: Basics Step 1
“Cell production type” is expected to literally multi-task, so it is technically difficult for a single robot to handle products such as bento boxes that require the handling of a wide variety of
ingredients. Currently, there are not many automation options in the “cell production” field of the food industry.
On the other hand, if a “cell production robot” can be realized, – Production is possible even if the minimum number of people required for line production type operation cannot be secured. (Example: If there is a vacancy for even one person in a shift of 15 people, avoid the situation where the entire operation cannot be carried out)
– Increase operating efficiency as a robot system by combining with line production type
(It is possible to operate cell production robots independently outside of line production operating hours and continue producing products, “using the robot to its full potential (= approaching 24-hour operation).”)
This makes it possible to provide added value to production sites from the perspective of automation and labor saving.
Added value of cell production robots: Development Steps 2-3 In addition, while the primary goal of this system is to achieve “labor saving and automation” effects in factories and lines that match the cell production type, as an advanced form (Step 2), – (Step2-1) Deployment to on-demand production
→ Manufacture and customize products according to orders
– (Step2-2) Deployment to decentralized production
→ Produce in a location close to the sales floor rather than in the central kitchen
is in view.
Line production type robots are easy to fit into a format that sells and produces a fixed quantity of the same product, while cell production type robots can be used to produce individual products one by one in response to customer orders from the perspective of a food factory. This makes it easier to customize your food by changing the ingredients and amount. By aligning robots with these functions with sales strategies, we can increase the product value of the bento itself and increase the selling price, which goes beyond mere efficiency and creates added value. Yes, you can (Step 2-1). Furthermore, since it is no longer necessary to “intensively produce in one factory/line”, which is the premise of line production, for example, it can be installed in the back yard of a supermarket where side dishes are plated, etc. , labor-saving and automation effects can be expected even in workplaces close to the sales floor. In addition to improving efficiency on the store side, this will add various degrees of management freedom, such as revising the division of roles between factories and stores and the delivery network, with the hope of developing added value creation for food retailers and
manufacturers. (Step 2-2).
When cell-type robots are developed, their added value goes beyond mere labor-saving and automation.
In addition, by combining Step 2 above, the robot is not limited to producing bento boxes and side dishes, but can also be developed into a robot that makes toppings according to orders at restaurants, fast food stores, kitchen trucks, etc. We will proceed with technology demonstrations with the goal of creating value that is not limited to the food industry (Step 3). In particular, when evolving the direction of added value creation (horizontal axis), it is not simply an issue of automation in the production department, but an agenda that must be tackled by the entire plate making industry.Involve management, position it as a “growth strategy,” and develop an expansion plan. We will support you in making this a reality.
From the development perspective of technology demonstration, in addition to creating an environment that makes it easy for robots to complete multitasking, creativity and innovation in robot system integration and the development of peripheral equipment and devices, such as reducing the footprint of cell robots, will be needed. You will need. In this regard, we will proceed with development in cooperation with robot system integrators and machine manufacturers. If you are interested in future developments, please feel free to contact us. Let’s implement innovative products into society! * ◆Company profile*
・Company name: FingerVision Co., Ltd.
・Representative Director: Yuki Nono
・Development base:
・3rd floor, KOGA Building, 3-39-17 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
・Right One Building 1F, 73-1 Suzaku Hozocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
・Established: October 2021
・URL: https://www.fingervision.jp/
・YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgZuTJvDxjD_7ta03BRQFA ・LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fingervision/
・Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Yuki_Nono_fv
If you are interested in our robot systems and technology, please feel free to contact us.
・Email: contact@fingervision.jp
* ◆Technology overview*
Our core technology is the concept of “reproducing tactile sensations based on images (cameras).” By installing it on the fingertips of a robot hand, etc., it becomes possible to perceive tactile sensations (distribution of force and slippage, etc.), and the robot can be controlled as if a human were handling an object using the sensation of the palm of the hand. . It is characterized by its high
functionality (high resolution and multimodality), as well as its excellent economic efficiency and practicality. Although it is called a “tactile” sensor, it is a completely new concept “visual-tactile sensor” that also has a (visual) modality to see the object to be grasped, and it has infinite application possibilities, not only for process automation when combined with robots. has.
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