Factory automation (FA) as factory rationalization is on a full scale developing into total FA and computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) as overall management strategy including sales. Then required are system engineering technologies for structuring optimal systems and complete FA components suitable for those systems.
This paper describes FA computers and interfaces of system configurations, software and system design technologies,and up-to-date FA components and sensors. It also introduces some examples of FA systems recently completed.

This paper describes the technical trends and applications of auto-loaders and robots as an example of recent handling techniques.
As for auto-loaders, cited are the features and applications of the high-speed traveling servo-loader (HS servo-loader) newly developed as a series.
As for robots, cited are the development and applications of Fuji general- and special- purpose robots from the abundant menu.

The latest machine vision systems in Japan have reached the stage of real introduction after trials. Fuji Electric has accumulated many experiences for industrial vision systems mainly in the field of factory automation.
This paper introduces a new product "FA-OCR" and describes engineering for peripheral equipment of the vision system.Its latest technology can fully satisfy the market needs, being one of the variety of Fuji Electric's video sensor systems.

This paper introduces the specifications and usage of the following three types out of Fuji Electric's laser application equipment utilizing Nd-YAG laser widely used for fine machining in the field of factory automation.
(1) Laser markers (LASERMATE-50,100)
(2) Laser soldering machines(LASERMATE-SD)
(3) Laser-prosessing machines (LASERMATE-100P)
These applications are popular as equipment easy to use resulting from easy
maintenance, long service life of consumption articles, and compact design.

This article introduces an outline of the mounting and soldering machine LB-1000, that mounts surface-mount devices (SMD) on printed-circuit boards to which solder cream or dip soldering is applied in advance and solders them by a non-contact, local-heating method using a heat source of halogen lamp.
The main features are (1) Applicable to a wide range of SMDs because the heat beam length is 6 to 35 mm, (2) The quad flat package can be of stable quality and high productivity because of direct heating at the same time on four sides with a four-linear halogen lamp, and (3) Leads can be prevented from separating because parts are pressed till solder solidifies from a melted state, and also soldering can be made on dip solder.

A problem in the automation of production lines which include increasingly complex processes in these days is "how to obtain accurate information in agreement with actual conditions."
As a solution, watched is a data carrier system which enables non-contact reading and writing of data by radio frequency (RF-ID).
This paper introduces an outline, placement and applications of data carriers in the field of factory automation and the specifications of Fuji Electric's data carrier FAMDAS (Fuji Advanced Mobile Data Storage System).

The most important matter for factory automation in assembly shops is the establishment of a system by which parts required can be delivered to their destinations just in time. Also, assembly shops need production control systems linking inside and outside information networks to meet diversified market needs in short lead time. The paper describes an example of a POP system which is a hierarchical system linking a higher-level production control system forming a part of a computer integrated manufacturing system, unites production control and distribution control system in assembly shops, and moreover, adopts magnetic cards for collecting achievements information.

Information is becoming diverse and complex in all activities of industries. Under these circumstances, warehousing has also demanded for quick information management. This system has been developed to meet the need of warehousemen aiming at warehousing not only storing goods but also equipping itself with information processing. It mainly supports the works of refrigerated-warehouse traders who handle marine products, stock and other farm products, and refrigerated foods. The features are (1) Operation without ledgers, (2) Improvement in management level, (3) Enhancement in services to owners, and (4) Advanced billing functions.

Fuji Electric developed a factory automation (FA) system in an assembly factory of fire protection equipment which was rapidly diversified, electronics-applied, and systematized. The FA system is composed of industrial robots in production lines, automatic transfer and warehouse systems, and a production control system by an on-line computer connected with those production systems. The system was structured by a project team according to "FA system planning" which combines techniques for IE analysis and for deductive system design. The paper describes the process of system design and the contents of the resulted system.

System of a mixing feed plant have made rapid progress for recent a few years in Japan. It has a wide rationalization (includes office and factory automation) of orders, sales and distribution planning and mixing in the global hard situation against this field.
Techniques of AI and simulation will be adopted in above system in future. Total system tends to CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing) one.

The spindle motors for 3.5-inch hard disk drives require non-contamination; therefore, they are produced on an integrated automated line aiming at unmanned operation as far as possible. The automated system for these small precision motors is planned no arrange the processes sequential and to adopt robots for unmanned production in rotor- and body- assembly processes, and includes various devices and automation techniques in parts feed and washing processes. The paper describes an outline of automated systems focusing on the rotor- and body- assembly lines.

This paper outlines processes from preparatory processing to packing in a photoconductive-drum factory as an example of FA application to semiconductor factories.
In this case, automated equipment such as automatic warehouses, robots, and automated inspection/test/washing machines are interlinked by automated guided vehicles and also connected to 18 computers in all for management and control, so that day-and-night operation is realized. This results in a high-productivity FA line in respect of quality, cost, and lead time.

Fuji Electric has developed a flexible warehouse system which applies information processing to the data from pallets and racks by combining a data carrier system and forklift trucks. The pallets and racks are equipped with data carries, and data terminals on the forklift trucks are interlinked by means of radio frequency to a stock management system ; thus, on-line, real-time physical distribution system based on manual handling is realized.
This paper describes the configuration and specification of the standard system and an example of application to the stock control system of a general-purpose electrical appliance warehouse.

In food distribution industry as well as in general distribution industries, automation is in many ways promoted in information management, production and material handling to cope with the change of market such as needs for variety and personality, just-in-time requests for necessary items at necessary volume, and retail stores' requests for divided delivery or regular delivery.
This paper gives an example of an up-to-data automated factory which has accomplished integrated automation from ordering and order receiving to material purchase, production and delivery.