What is the next challenge that you'll have to face in automation?
- Machino
- Reducing the time required to create the equipment for new products, test it, make the necessary adjustments, and get it up and running for mass production.
What is your approach to reducing the time factor?
- Machino
- Standardizing the production technology. For example, even if the size or shape changes, the physical action of cutting tape is the same. It's also the same with attaching sheets. As the ratio of standardization increases, we can reduce the amount of time we spend on building the equipment.
How about challenges on the cost front?
- Machino
- Of course we have issues in that area, too. In order to improve cost performance, we must aim to reduce device-related costs and conserve space. We're anticipating robots as the trump card. The person in charge of that is Mizuno.
- Mizuno
- With robots, it's possible to allocate multiple procedures. Devices become simpler, and that alone can save space. Today, the price of robots has dropped considerably so, instead of designing a new high-precision automated system each time, robots offer greater cost savings.
So you're taking the assembly technology and know-how you acquired over many years of building automated systems, and pouring them into robotics?
- Mizuno
- Well, it's easier said than done. (Laughs.) The level we've now reached with fully automated systems is really incredible. We'll have to see whether or not commercially available robots can do each required task, and whether or not we'll have problems in assembly precision. We have an enormous amount of testing work to do.
The automation technology is amazing. It seems a waste to limit it to toner cartridges. Is there any chance of applying the technology to other products?
- Machino
- Yes, that discussion has come up. Somewhere down the line, I think the automated-assembly technology we're using for toner cartridges could become a factory-automation standard for the entire Canon Group as well.
- Kitamura
- I think so, too. It represents an important asset for Canon. It's something I'm very proud of.
I can see why. Thank you for today's very stimulating discussion.
