Thermix Co., Ltd. Company Overview

I visited the exhibition of Mujin, which offers logistics and warehouse automation solutions. The most impressive aspect was that the competitiveness of automation is shifting from the performance of individual robots to how well multiple devices can be integrated to optimize the entire factory. Mujin integrates and controls robots, AGVs, and vision systems from different manufacturers using its uniquely developed MujinOS, achieving autonomous motion generation and overall optimization through digital twins. Their proprietary palletizing robot automatically generates stacking sequences and trajectories without teaching, using 3D vision and unique algorithms, accommodating diverse and variable production. The exhibition showcased smooth operations from image recognition to picking, flexibly adapting to variations in workpiece positions, and holds promise for applications in parts supply and inter-process transportation. The French automated warehouse Exotec introduced at the venue features transport robots that can move racks up and down, enabling high-density storage without the need for stacker cranes, while also offering high maintainability through remote monitoring; however, it is designed for lightweight workpieces with a load capacity of about 30 kg. Termix, which handles everything from conceptual design to startup of production lines, will integrate these solutions across the entire process and propose seamless connections between production and logistics.

I participated in "ROKLive Japan 2026" hosted by Rockwell Automation (Theme: Manufacturing Reform for Immediate Results). I experienced firsthand how generative AI, digital twins, and open platforms are beginning to connect as "one manufacturing system." The exhibition featured a demo that supports PLC program generation and differential analysis by having generative AI read specifications and drawings, as well as a FA platform that allows users to select functions from a ladder library. The quality control that monitors welding current and voltage with edge devices and provides immediate feedback to equipment was also impressive. Honda Motor Co. showcased a digital twin demonstration that simultaneously stops both actual and virtual equipment during an emergency stop, synchronizes the HMI after correction, and restarts both at the same time. Red Hat introduced a vendor-independent open manufacturing platform centered around Margo and OpenShift, in collaboration with Rockwell and Siemens. I believe the key to leveraging these technologies lies in the conceptual design ability to integrate equipment, robots, transport, and control. Thermix will implement the latest technologies as an automation line builder and propose valuable production systems.