In Japan information technology has been a vital part of manufacturing for decades. A central factory computer provides a production plan and shop minicomputers and microcomputers in the factory run machines that manufacture products. It has become necessary to connect computers installed at different locations to enable information exchange between different sections. This requires an intracompany network with large memory capacity and high-speed communication capability to process documents, drawings, and image data, as well as conventional code data: a local area network (LAN). This volume discusses the ring-type LAN; the TOSLINE-8000 high-speed optical data highway for high-speed real-time control systems; the TOSLINE-2000E, a compact, low-cost independent local area network; the status of MAP, a communications protocol for manufacturing automation established by General Motors and MAP activities in Japan

This book provides an overview of advanced manufacturing technology in Japan. It describes the prevalent manufacturing engineering concepts and highlights the current applications, technologies and systems in Japanese manufacturing industry.

Japan's post-war success in the assembly industries is frequently attributed to innovative approaches to organising production. This book illustrates how Japanese firms have tended to forge intircate networks of long-term interfirm business relationships.

This extremely expensive little book is probably worth the exorbitant price. Not only does the author introduce state-of-the-art research on both VSLI and neural networks, he also describes a model for basic chip design. Surprisingly well written, the material is appropriate for anyone with an interest in neural networks and background in basic mathematics and electronic engineering. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This book reboots the conversation about all technologies relating to robot safety. It covers key features of industry standards, relevant government regulations, hardware devices, physical safeguards, and vendor-specific software implementations, including FANUC's Dual-Check Safety, ABB's SafeMove and more. Robotic Safety Systems: An Applied Approach discusses some of the unique concerns associated with remote I/O and systems designed to be controlled over wide-area networks, including the internet. It includes annotated example safety configurations and programs that can be customized and loaded and deployed on existing robots, giving the reader tools to immediately apply the lessons learned in this text. The text also provides best practices for using cutting-edge systems – such as cobots and mobile robotic arms (with some autonomy) – systems that have advanced faster than the regulatory frameworks. Included are real world examples from FANUC, ABB, Universal Robots, and Kuka – the most popular brands on the market. Finally, as an appendix to this text, a case study demonstrating proper use of A3/RIA standards is included. This will allow readers to make an informed decision prior to purchasing these expensive references. This book is intended for post-secondary classes at universities with specializations in robotics or robotic engineering. It will also be useful for robot systems integrators – design engineers, consultants, integration experts, robot programmers.

Interfirm Networks in the Japanese Electronics Industry analyses changes in production networks in the Japanese electronics industry. Japan's post-war success in the assembly industries is frequently attributed to innovative approaches to the organization of production: Japanese assemblers have tended to forge intricate networks of long-term interfirm business relationships. Traditionally, these networks have been characterized by hierarchical interfirm relationships resembling a pyramid. Paprzycki argues that as a result of global industry dynamics, such monolithic 'pyramidal' production networks have come under mounting pressure and are giving way to an increasing diversity of network arrangements. A major contributing factor is the growing cost and complexity of technology, which forces even the largest manufacturers to look beyond traditional network boundaries in order to gain access to complementary (technological) assets and capabilities.

This book addresses the changing nature of high-tech industries in Asia, particularly in the electronics sector. Its up-to-date findings will be invaluable to those involved in management, production networks and corporate strategy.