Research into Production Technologies Using AI, Robotics and Energy-Efficient Refrigeration

「Based on the device's implementation at our factories, we are pursuing external sales of our in-house-developed image-processing inspection device. In response to inquiries from confectionery factories, station-bento manufacturers and prepared-food processing factories, we had been installing customized inspection demonstration units at customer factories, tailored to their product quality-control standards, and conducting implementation evaluations and promoting sales. We have now completed delivery to a prepared-food processing factory, where the device has been favorably evaluated for its usability and inspection accuracy specialized for food manufacturing.」

「Based on the device's implementation at our factories, we have been pursuing external sales of our in-house-developed image-processing inspection device. In response to inquiries from confectionery factories, convenience-store vendors and prepared-food processing factories, we are installing customized inspection demonstration units at customer factories, tailored to their product quality-control standards, and conducting implementation evaluations. In addition to conventional OCR character inspection systems and missing-component inspections, we newly developed an inspection device that can count the number of ingredients in boxed meals, enabling us to respond flexibly to increasingly diverse product quality-control requirements.」

「For the in-house-developed image-processing inspection device, we newly developed an integrated model suitable for external sales based on its implementation at our factories. The device can detect the inclusion of different product types and missing components using OCR to verify best-before-date printing and AI-based judgment functions. It is designed for flexible customization according to the user's operating environment and production-line configuration.」

「For the in-house-developed image-processing inspection device, we newly developed an integrated model suitable for external sales based on its implementation at our factories. The device can detect the inclusion of different product types and missing components using OCR to verify best-before-date printing and AI-based judgment functions. It is designed for flexible customization according to the user's operating environment and production-line configuration.」

「We have developed and deployed in-house an inspection device that uses camera imaging to verify best-before-date printing through OCR, and are working to improve customer safety and peace of mind. We have also added AI-based judgment functions to image-processing technology and developed and deployed a device that inspects every externally sold product for the presence or absence of soup, thereby working to ensure quality. / We are developing a system to monitor production equipment operating status using IoT modules based on interactive programs that require no specialist knowledge. After establishing a model through demonstration testing on production lines, we will deploy and build out the system in stages. / To prepare for labor shortages resulting from the declining birthrate and aging population, we are planning to automate packing operations and are working on the conceptual and structural design.」

「Production technology research team / a. AI-powered inspection automation technology (deployment of image-processing inspection functions on production lines, enabling judgments based on what is seen) / b. Promoting the IoT conversion of production equipment with a view to smart factories (DX), including visualization of equipment operating status / c. Studying and implementing responses to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) through monthly meetings with the facilities management departments of the 3 factories / d. High-speed packing using parallel-link robots」

「Production technology research team / a. AI-powered inspection automation technology (deployment of image-processing inspection functions on production lines, enabling judgments based on what is seen) / b. Deployment of equipment improvement and construction methods requiring no specialist knowledge (structural design using interactive CAD and deployment of general-purpose control systems) / c. High-speed packing using parallel-link robots / d. Study of new refrigeration methods for energy management and equipment miniaturization (LN2 refrigeration), including a refrigeration line using liquid nitrogen」