FANUC Marks Production of 500,000th Robot

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#Automation–FANUC CORPORATION, the world’s leading supplier of robotics, CNC and
factory automation has announced the production of its 500,000th robot.

“Automation and robotics are key drivers of manufacturing
competitiveness,” said Mike Cicco, president & CEO, FANUC America. “More
companies are using automation to overcome inefficiencies, lower costs,
increase productivity, and gain market share. Having sold a half million
robots is a key milestone for FANUC, and we’re looking forward to
expanding our capabilities to keep pace with the growing demand for
automation.”

In April, FANUC announced plans to build a new factory scheduled to open
in August 2018. FANUC’s new factory will increase its robot capacity
from 6,000 to 11,000 units per month.

“The backbone of FANUC’s success is our talented workforce – all
automation professionals, including an expanding product development
team based in Japan and the U.S.,” Cicco added. “In addition to highly
qualified employees, we offer the most reliable automation products in
the marketplace. Everyone at FANUC is very motivated and focused on
designing the hardware and software that make our products easy to learn
and use for all manufacturers, including the practical application of
IIoT technologies.”

Recent examples of FANUC’s latest products include:

• The R-30iB Plus controller features a new iPendant with
  an enhanced screen resolution and processing capability. The user
  interface, iHMI, has an icon-based screen that provides a
  familiar and easy-to-use experience with intuitive guides for setup
  and programming. It also includes tutorials from the main home page
  that has a design common to FANUC CNCs, enabling easier use of robots.
• The FANUC Intelligent Edge Link and Drive (FIELD) system which
  provides advanced analytics and deep learning capabilities for FANUC
  CNCs and robots, peripheral devices and sensors used in automation
  systems.
• Zero Down Time (iZDT), an application that runs on the FIELD
  system, is built on the four basic building blocks of factory
  automation: Mechanical Health, Process Health, Periodic Maintenance
  and System Health to prevent unplanned downtime. It allows monitoring
  of real-time production information from connected devices, so a
  customer can take corrective action before any downtime occurs. As
  FIELD system and iZDT grow in the marketplace, FANUC will be
  able to help more customers with intelligent condition-based
  maintenance reminders and help optimize the performance and life of
  their robots.
• MT-LINKi shop floor connectivity suite of
  software. MT-LINKi is a fully scalable, out-of-the-box
  machine tool monitoring solution that can monitor, collect and manage
  data from one to one thousand machines. MT-LINKi monitors
  and collects operation and production data using a PC and an Ethernet
  connection. The software is set up to automatically collect a variety
  of data, including alarm history, macro variables and signal history,
  servo/spindle motor currents and temperatures, battery and fan status,
  feed rate overrides and more.
• The new seven-axis R-1000iA/120F-7B robot has a payload of
  120kg and a maximum reach of 2,230mm. The additional axis allows the
  robot’s J2 arm to fold into itself, making it shorter and able to
  operate in very tight workspaces.

FANUC is also leading the effort to address the critical challenge
caused by a shortage of skilled workers, and help change the perceptions
of careers in manufacturing. Its Certified Education (CERT) program
provides educators with a STEM-based curriculum centered on robotics and
automation training. FANUC CERT automation training aligns with industry
and national certifications to prepare students for high-tech careers in
manufacturing.

About FANUC CORPORATION

FANUC CORPORATION, headquartered at the foot of Mt. Fuji, Japan, is the
global leader and the most innovative manufacturer of Factory
Automation, Robots and ROBOMACHINE’s in the world. With 259 offices in
45 countries, FANUC provides world-class customer service and support.
Since its inception in 1972, FANUC has contributed to the automation of
machine tools as a pioneer in the development of computer numerical
control equipment. FANUC technology has been a leading force in a
worldwide manufacturing revolution, which evolved from the automation of
a single machine to the automation of entire production lines. For more
information visit: http://www.fanuc.co.jp/eindex.htm.

About FANUC America Corporation

FANUC America Corporation is a subsidiary of FANUC CORPORATION in Japan,
and provides industry-leading robotics, CNC systems, and factory
automation. FANUC’s innovative technologies and proven expertise help
manufacturers in the Americas maximize productivity, reliability and
profitability.

FANUC embraces a culture of “Service First” which means that customer
service is our highest priority. We are committed to supplying our
customers with parts and support for the life of their FANUC products.

FANUC America is headquartered at 3900 W. Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills,
MI 48309, and has facilities in: Atlanta; Boston; Charlotte; Chicago;
Cincinnati; Cleveland; Houston; Los Angeles; Minneapolis; Montreal; Pine
Brook, NJ; Pontiac, MI; San Francisco; Seattle; Toronto; Buenos Aires,
Argentina; Sao Paulo, and Manaus, Brazil; and Aguascalientes, Monterrey,
and Queretaro, Mexico. For more information, please call: 888-FANUC-US
(888-326-8287) or visit our website: www.fanucamerica.com.
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Contacts

FANUC America Corporation PR contacts:
Cathy Powell
Public
Relations and Communications Manager
FANUC America Corporation
T:
248-377-7570
E: [email protected]
or
Derek
Sheedy
Marketing Communications Specialist – CNC
FANUC America
Corporation
T: 847-898-5679
E: [email protected]