Demand related to artificial intelligence (AI) has driven machine-tool orders higher, pushing order backlogs above ¥1 trillion. According to the Japan Machine Tool Builders' Association, backlogs as of the end of August reached a record high, prompting manufacturers including 芝浦機械 to increase production in preparation for working through their orders.
Demand related to artificial intelligence (AI) has driven up machine-tool order backlogs, which exceeded ¥1 trillion as of the end of August. Preliminary figures released by the Japan Machine Tool Builders' Association showed that backlogs had reached historic levels, prompting manufacturers including 芝浦機械 to accelerate production increases.
Monthly orders in September totaled ¥223.2 billion, up 60% from a year earlier, marking the 15th consecutive month of year-on-year growth and a record high for a single month.
Major manufacturers, including 芝浦機械, are expanding their production capacity to work through their order backlogs, and further production increases are expected to continue depending on the future trajectory of AI demand.