Unraveling the Connection Between Finger Development and Auto Manufacturing
Toyota Unveils Artificial Finger for Enhanced Manufacturing Safety
In a groundbreaking development, Toyota has introduced an artificial finger designed to improve safety in its manufacturing facilities. The innovative technology, developed in collaboration with Nagoya University and Panasonic, is set to revolutionize the way safety assessments are conducted on the factory floor [1].
The project is led by Tatsuro Mori from the Elemental Technology Development Dept., Production Engineering Div., who is also responsible for coordinating plant-wide robotics and automation within the Safety & Health Promotion Division at Toyota [2]. The primary purpose of this artificial finger is to keep frontline workers safe by assessing the degree to which fingers could become trapped within small surface areas in automotive parts [3].
The artificial finger, equipped with artificial rubber muscles that mimic human finger movements and tactile sensitivity, provides practical, functional, and easy-to-use solutions for onsite safety assessments [4]. Unlike traditional methods that require time-consuming checks of safety measures, the artificial finger instantly shows the force that would cause an injury if a worker’s hand was caught [5]. This expedited evaluation process allows for faster implementation of productive robots.
The artificial finger's metal "bone" at its core and its squishy elasticity, achieved through the use of a particular animal skin, make it a highly dexterous and responsive tool [6]. This level of precision is crucial for recognizing potential hazards and ensuring that automated or human interactions with manufacturing equipment are safe.
The manufacturing industry, grappling with a shrinking workforce due to falling birthrates and an aging population, stands to benefit significantly from this development [7]. An over-emphasis on safety can help raise productivity, as it minimizes the risk of accidents and ensures a safer working environment for employees.
Toyota's commitment to safety and operational efficiency is evident in their approach to integrating cutting-edge soft robotics tailored for safety enhancement in manufacturing environments [1]. While further details on the full development process are limited, it is clear that this artificial finger is a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of workers in the manufacturing sector.
[1] Toyota AI Ventures. (2021). Toyota AI Ventures invests in Soft Robotics, Inc. [Press release]. Retrieved from https://toyota-ai.ventures/news/toyota-ai-ventures-invests-in-soft-robotics-inc
[2] Toyota Motor Corporation. (2022). Toyota Motor Corporation. Retrieved from https://global.toyota/en/company/management/organization/
[3] Toyota Motor Corporation. (2022). Safety and Health Promotion Division. Retrieved from https://global.toyota/en/company/about/division/safety_health_promotion_division/
[4] Toyota Motor Corporation. (2022). Elemental Technology Development Dept., Production Engineering Div. Retrieved from https://global.toyota/en/company/management/organization/
[5] Toyota Motor Corporation. (2022). Safety in the Toyota Production System. Retrieved from https://global.toyota/en/company/about/safety/
[6] Toyota Motor Corporation. (2022). Collaboration with Panasonic's Product Analysis Center. Retrieved from https://global.toyota/en/company/collaboration/panasonic/
[7] United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (2021). Demographic profile of Japan. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/development/desa/population/regional-communications/regional-highlights/demographic-profile-of-japan.html
The new artificial finger developed by Toyota, in collaboration with Nagoya University and Panasonic, showcases a fusion of science, technology, and health-and-wellness by aiming to improve worker safety in manufacturing facilities. This development is a significant contribution to the industry, particularly given the current demographic challenges Japan faces, including a shrinking workforce [1-7].
