Design and manufacturing in Japan

This paper discusses the following: the status of Japanese industries; the government support for Japanese industries; the present and future DME; and the market driving forces. The status of Japanese industries is described in terms of personnel working environment, economical conditions and public acceptance. Mainly from the view point of social background, market trends are also explained. The challenge of Japanese industries is analyzed by taking into consideration the world market trends. Typical production methods are briefly explained. Trends in the field of factory automation and computer integrated manufacturing are also briefly described including some examples of FA/CIM. Concurrent Engineering has been promoted and some comment on this subject is also briefly discussed. There are some Japanese government projects related to design and manufacturing and these projects include IROFA (International Robotics and Factory Automation Center), IMS (Intelligent Manufacturing System) program. FA industries in Japan are briefly introduced