Robotic machine tools: a real guarantee of productivity in industry

Autonomous production cells with robot-powered machine tools are advanced automated manufacturing systems designed to handle, load, unload and transport parts. They are typically used to cut and shape metal into parts, tools, molds and specialized tooling shapes. These systems offer many advantages: increased productivity, production flexibility, reduction in human errors, reduced occupational risks, improved working conditions, improved precision, reduced costs, increased flexibility, management of optimized waste, improved safety, energy savings, etc. Thus contributing to the efficiency of the industrial process. Bruno Woroniak, sales director, Yamakazi Mazak, France, one of the leaders in the manufacturing of these advanced robotic technological solutions, explains to us how robotic machine tools are today an undeniable asset for strengthening competitiveness in the world Of the industry.

Can you briefly describe Yamazaki Mazak, its history and your core business?

“Yamazaki Mazak Corporation https://www.mazakeu.fr/ is one of the world's largest producers of numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools for metal machining and laser cutting. It is a 100% family-owned Japanese company created in 1919 which has 11 production units around the world: five in Japan, two in China, one in Singapore, one in Great Britain, one in the United States and a very recent one. in India for this large emerging market. An international network of 83 technological and technical centers (including 15 in Europe and one in France) also offers extensive local support to our customers. The European production unit located in the United Kingdom is currently our European headquarters. Finally, since 1992, Mazak has been established in France in Villejust (91).

This group represents approximately 10,000 employees worldwide, 50% of whom are in Japan. The group's choice to set up outside Japan was motivated both by obvious economic reasons, in view of the costs of sea freight, delays and the resulting financial costs, and by environmental awareness. - transport to Europe, for example, having a significant impact on ecology. In conclusion, wherever in the world there is industry, Mazak is present!”

Historically, this involved making machine tools, notably tatami weaving machines. Then, we launched the renovation of machine tools after the Second World War and finally we noted a real boom in Mazak in the 70s and 80s with the advent of numerical control (CNC). The machines we manufacture are intended for turning, milling, but also for 2D and 3D laser cutting with for the digital part, our historical partner is Mitsubishi. In addition, for around ten years we have been associated with a Belgian company Robojob https://robojob.eu/fr which develops accessible solutions capable of significantly improving the performance, flexibility and efficiency of machine parks. . In fact, they facilitate automation with polyarticulated robots, thus allowing the loading of turning centers and 3, 4 and 5 axis machining centers. Very economical and very easy to use open systems with floor scanners, more practical than the closed enclosures generally offered. »

What are the main competitive advantages that Mazak autonomous production cells offer to French manufacturers in a constantly evolving economic landscape ?

“The competitive advantage when you have a machine tool operated by robots is the assurance that it will not stop and run continuously. We therefore ensure continuous use of the process unlike a “stand alone” machine. This, managed by an operator, will be subject to interruptions, particularly during the latter's breaks or when the latter is busy on another machine. When we are in a very competitive context for the parts that we manufacture in series, it is therefore preferable to be automated. Mazak's biggest customer is Mazak. Indeed, we use and optimize our machines to meet our serial machining needs. What we develop for turning or milling, we make available to our customers. »

How do you at Mazak address the integration and interoperability of your autonomous cells into your customers' existing production infrastructures?

Our automation system already designed for Mazak allows us to offer “turnkey” because it is already tested and operational. It therefore perfectly meets the needs of a large number of our customers who manufacture parts in series. And if they have specific requests, we are responsive, we adapt and offer suitable solutions. So interoperability is already natively integrated into our systems.

Concretely, Mazak's best salespeople are our customers. For what ? Because we offer manufacturers interested in our solutions the opportunity to carry out what we call “reference visits.” » The objective is to go to a customer using an equivalent system so that they can discuss with users the uses and advantages of our solutions. It's quite reassuring to see a system that works. We also provide them with videos and catalogs. And with the Robojob system that I spoke to you about previously, only two hours of training are necessary to get to grips with the tool."

How do you respond to legitimate concerns that we might have about the replacement of operators by robots which could create job losses?

Producing with the help of robots means deciding to choose productivity, of course, but also to bet on the future. Today, companies that are automating are growing and those that have not made this choice are decreasing both in their production and in their workforce, this is a real observation. The robot will never be able to replace a human being but will be able to enable it to carry out other tasks that are more relevant, less repetitive, less thankless, less tiring... Indeed, the management of operations will always require human interaction. So operators must coexist with robots using them as a resource rather than competitors. To successfully integrate automation into your industrial activity, it is essential to understand that the objective is not to completely eliminate human intervention, but rather to combine the expertise and discernment of employees with performance robotics and digital technology. With this in mind, strong human resource management remains crucial for effective automation. »

In conclusion, according to a recent report from the American agency Moody's Corporation, specializing in risk management solutions and financial analysis of companies "Nations with a high level of automation offer prospects for growth and creation of 'very important jobs'. Autonomous production cells with robotic machine tools therefore represent a major advancement in the modern industrial landscape, offering a combination of benefits such as increased productivity, improved precision, operational flexibility and optimization of resources, thus making Mazak an undisputed leader in the sector. Thus, in the face of a constantly evolving market, the automation of production with advanced technological solutions guarantees not only enhanced competitiveness for companies, but also a transition towards a more efficient and more promising industrial future, in line with global trends. automation and economic growth.

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