MinebeaMitsumi, a ball-bearing manufacturer with approximately 60% of the global market, has opened a new research base in Yonago, Tottori Prefecture. The company will develop small motors and step up research into technologies for robots.
MinebeaMitsumi, a major machinery-parts manufacturer, has opened a new research base, YonagoX-TechBase, at its Yonago Plant in Yonago, Tottori Prefecture. The project cost approximately ¥3.2 billion, with Tottori Prefecture and Yonago City providing combined support of ¥420 million. The prefectural governor and city mayor attended the opening ceremony on 26 October.
The new base will conduct research and development on small motors needed for humanoid robots, commercial drones and other near-future applications. Work is also under way to develop motors measuring 5 mm or less.