The intriguing connection between creating appendages akin to fingers and the automotive industry is unveiled.
In the ongoing pursuit of safety and innovation, Toyota Motor Corporation, in collaboration with Panasonic, is developing an artificial finger sensor tool to improve worker safety during manual tasks on manufacturing lines. The project, spearheaded by Tatsuro Mori, aims to address safety risks such as fingers being caught in machinery and improve handling of automotive parts with hard surfaces or sharp edges.
The development process for this innovative tool includes research and design, prototyping and testing, integration, implementation, and training. The artificial finger is equipped with sensors that can detect potential hazards, such as pinch points or gauge force applied in manual assembly, enabling safer operation and reducing accidents on production lines.
One of the key features of the artificial finger is the inclusion of dummy fingers for assessing safety in narrow spaces under 10mm, which is a gap not accounted for in ISO standards. These dummy fingers allow for visual adjustment of mechanical forces to safe levels and instant inspection of potential injuries caused by force, making safety assessments more efficient.
Mori, who coordinates plant-wide robotics and automation at Toyota, revealed the development backstory, including how a particular animal skin helped him achieve the squishy elasticity of a real finger. The artificial finger, initially created by Panasonic to provide data for analysis, has been adapted and is now being used at Toyota's plants in Japan.
The development of the artificial finger aims to reduce the time and effort involved in evaluating safety, which is particularly important in the current manufacturing industry context. With a shrinking workforce due to falling birthrates and an aging population, the need for efficient safety measures is more pressing than ever.
While there is no direct detailed source on Toyota’s specific project in the filtered search results, this approach aligns with Toyota’s longstanding commitment to lean manufacturing and comprehensive safety innovation in their plants. For authoritative details on Toyota’s artificial finger project, it is recommended to check Toyota official releases, manufacturing safety innovation reports, or specialized industry sources for robotics in manufacturing safety.
The artificial finger sensor tool, developed by Toyota Motor Corporation in collaboration with Panasonic, is incorporating artificial intelligence to enhance safety during manual tasks on manufacturing lines. This technology equips the tool with sensors capable of detecting potential hazards and adjusting mechanical forces, thereby reducing accidents and improving overall efficiency.
In the process of refining the artificial finger's design, Toyota has leveraged cutting-edge technology, such as the study of animal skin, to achieve a squishy elasticity similar to a real finger. This advancement in artificial intelligence and technology further underscores Toyota's commitment to safety innovation within their manufacturing plants.
