Factory automation expert
Fanuc has celebrated a milestone achievement with the production of its one-millionth industrial robot. The company, which supplies customers worldwide with a range of CNC systems, robots and production machinery, deployed its first robot back in 1974. Today, thousands of robots build new robots at Fanuc’s headquarters in Japan – one of the most automated factories in the world.
While industrial robots were traditionally used mainly in the automotive and electronics industries, they have now become prevalent in many other industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, aerospace and plastics. Increasing labour shortages and improved usability are just some of the reasons behind the rising popularity of robotics across a range of different sectors.
Fanuc offers over 200 robot models that perform various tasks in manufacturing, such as welding, painting, assembly, and packaging. Collaborative robots (cobots) are also gaining popularity as they can work alongside employees, often without external safety guarding. However, traditional robots still dominate in industrial sectors, and their use, such as in the automotive industry, is accelerating the shift towards electromobility.
Fanuc Europe president and CEO Marco Ghirardello concluded: “Demand for our robots is currently at an all-time high. Applications for robots are expanding, and the demand is expected to continue to grow significantly in the future. In order to support our customers’ automation needs, Fanuc will strive to further improve quality, performance, and supply capabilities.”