Mechanical physics, Mechanical systems, Manufacturing engineering

We develop mechanical structure design technologies that take manufacturability into account, as well as manufacturing technologies that realize design specifications, and apply them to advanced products. Our research and development efforts focus on design and manufacturing technologies such as mechanical structural design, mechanical structural reliability, numerical analysis, molding and forming, and precision measurement.

Structural design technologies

To achieve optimal product structures and manufacturing processes, we develop advanced simulation technologies for structural, thermal and fluid, vibration, and noise analysis, as well as topology optimization technologies for optimizing the shape of mechanical structures. In the development of air conditioning units for trains, we achieved designs that ensure sufficient airflow despite constraints such as fan size, rotational speed, and duct cross-sectional area. Through topology optimization, we achieved a 40% weight reduction in robot arms while maintaining their strength.

Product reliability technologies

To ensure product longevity, prevent failures and defects, and reduce costs and environmental impact, we develop long-term reliability evaluation technologies for fatigue, creep, and other degradation factors. When using new materials, we collect data using fatigue testing machines to improve the accuracy of life prediction simulations. In the case of SCiB™ modules, we developed a technology that enables long-term fixation with plastic ribs without the use of adhesives, taking into account the fatigue life of the plastic materials.

Efficient manufacturing technologies

With increasing demands for improved component quality, there is a growing need for monitoring technologies that detect abnormalities in the manufacturing process and for methods that analyze and provide feedback on their causes in real time. We are working to develop technologies that enable quality assurance based on sensing data and information on product quality. For injection molded parts, we have developed our own CPS technology that incorporates mathematical optimization methods into quality monitoring and the automatic control of injection molding machines.

High-quality manufacturing technologies

From large equipment such as energy infrastructure to portable information devices, the manufacture of high-value-added components requires not only machining technologies but also measurement technologies. In recent years, 3D measurement technologies have been introduced not only into parts manufacturing processes in factories but also into the assembly and installation of complex mechanical systems, including large structures, thereby contributing to quality assurance with high accuracy and reproducibility.