Yaskawa: The 100 year legacy of excellence
Q. Yaskawa completed its 100 years journey in the industrial automation field, please brief us your journey of success since from inception of the company?
YASKAWA has always been the front runner in supporting with leading-edge technologies and industries of the times. We currently operate in the following three business domains, “Motion Control”, “Robotics” and “System Engineering”.
Till now, we as a pioneer of motor control, have developed many world’s first innovative drive technologies, such as vector control, digital control and IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) drive. We have successively commercialized and marketed optimum robots for various uses, centering on arc welding, one of our areas of expertise and also spot welding, handling, assembly, painting, transfer of liquid crystal panels and handling of semiconductor wafers.
YASKAWA has also developed Mechatrolink, an open communication platform used in industrial automation that was certified by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). MECHATROLINK can handle up to 100 Mbps data. Mechatrolink Members Association (MMA) has 2,796 members who are actively developing and promoting Mechatrolink technology globally. MMA has its Indian office in Bangalore. Currently it has become our next endeavor to expand in the business domains of “Environment & Energy” and “Robotics Human Assist”.
Q. Please brief us about YASKAWA global reach & latest initiatives in industrial automation space?
We have our business hubs located in 29 countries around the world including Japan, and the production bases are located in 10 countries.
The research and development center that was originally started in 1921 in Japan, cooperates with the research section of each business department. We try our best to develop new technology that contribute for human kind and the earth with the creation of Eco-mechatronics.
A couple of years ago we launched world’s first AC drive with Matrix Technology and also we are working on bringing of inverters with SiC IGBT and GaN Transistors in the market. Recently we launched new range of servo systems named Sigma 7 for higher precision and productivity. During SPS exhibition in Ahmedabad, we displayed the new AC drives series GA700 which is the next-gen range developed on the lines of growing IoT.
Q. What is the current scenario of drives & automation industry?
In current scenario, drives and automation is a need across industry verticals and applications.
Due to its technology, system integration, initial cost and lack of awareness on benefits of automation, sometimes small scale manufacturers are not able to adopt the drives and automation in their plants. Now, drives and automation being offered by so many manufacturers, prices have been competitive. With ‘Make in India’ initiative by Government of India, industries should build on competence by improving manufacturing capabilities for high demand, faster production cycles, and minimizing wastage.
Q. What are the prospects for drives & automation technology products in India? How do you plan to position these products?
Its market potential is very high and it will grow without any action by public organizations. However considering today’s electricity power supply situation, It’s absolutely better if government of India and state governments can help small/ medium scale manufacturers with subsidies on these and a few forums/ associations make an effort to educate the various benefits of drives and automation in improving the productivity and efficiency.
Q. Could you brief us about your top line product range? What are value added services you provide to your customers?
Yaskawa in India is operating in two verticals:
- Drives and Motion Control
- Industrial Robotics
In Bangalore, we have our assembling facility of AC Drives. We have good network of business partners/ system integrators who work with us to offer our customers a complete package along with the PLCs, HMIs, I/Os. Going further we offer our customers the complete engineering solutions for wide range of ratings and applications. We have good infrastructure for integration and customization of Robots at our facility in Gurgaon.
With a vision of contribution to clean power, Yaskawa is focusing on renewable energy sector, we acquired companies Solectria in the US and The Switch, a Finland based company. These acquisitions will play a key role in strengthening the Yaskawa’s presence in the renewable energy space for a long term.
Q. What are your future plans to maintain substantial market positioning in industrial drives space?
As an engineering company, we anticipate advancement in technology and develop a solution. Yaskawa is and shall continue to be the pioneer in bringing out latest technologies in the motion control to the market. We offer wide range of new products and solutions with advanced technology to our customers.
Q. What factors bestow the success of your company?
Quality, Technology, Reliability of products + Mutual trust with customers- these are our basic and simple mantras for the success.
Q. Please address the issues that are affecting the drives & automation technology industry?
- Educating stake holders the benefits of drives and automation in the small/ medium scale manufacturers.
- Some help in terms of subsidy by the governments/ industrial clusters.
- Good hands-on experience for engineering students in the college.
