MetalWorks Inc. Product Lineup

In the research and development of quadrupedal robots, it is important to develop walking patterns and verify mobility not only for flat terrain but also for real-world environments such as steps and stairs. At MetalWorks, we design and manufacture wooden stairs for quadrupedal robots as part of our "INCEPTION Stair Series," which establishes an experimental and verification environment for robots. By installing stairs in laboratories and R&D environments, it becomes possible to repeatedly verify approaches to steps, ascent and descent movements, posture control, and walking pattern development, all based on real-world scenarios. Using wood makes it easier to introduce compared to large metal equipment, and we can accommodate designs for size, number of steps, and layout tailored to the research content and the robots being used. This can be utilized not only for R&D of quadrupedal robots but also for proof of concept (PoC) of physical AI and demonstrations at exhibitions. From flat terrain to steps and stairs. INCEPTION creates an "experimental field" for robots to step into real-world environments.

• Articulated Robot
• Other industrial robots
• Mechanical Design

In the research and development of physical AI and robotics, the hardware configuration changes according to the research content, including robotic arms, cameras, and sensors. At MetalWorks, we offer the "INCEPTION Frame Series" to build research and PoC environments for robots, featuring demo frames made of aluminum that excel in expandability. Format_1 adopts a user-friendly standard size of W600×D600×H800. With casters, it can be utilized in a wide range of scenarios, from layout changes within the laboratory to transportation for exhibitions and customer demonstrations. The frame uses aluminum, which is commonly adopted in research environments such as VLA and imitation learning. It allows for easy addition and rearrangement of equipment, enabling system expansion according to the research phase. Furthermore, by combining it with the "INCEPTION Module Series," such as camera brackets, it is possible to flexibly add sensing environments and peripheral devices for robots. From R&D to PoC and demonstrations, INCEPTION supports the research environment of physical AI from the hardware level.

• Articulated Robot
• Other industrial robots
• Mechanical Design

In the research and development of physical AI, VLA, and imitation learning, depth cameras that recognize the surrounding environment and work are important sensing devices. At MetalWorks, we design and manufacture brackets for depth cameras compatible with RealSense D435i/D405 as part of our "INCEPTION Module Series," which builds a robotic research and development environment. We adopt a variable structure that not only secures the camera but also allows for adjustments to the shooting angle according to the experimental content. This enables changes to the camera position in the research field based on the recognition targets, work, and the arrangement of the robotic arm. The mounting section is designed for installation on aluminum frames, which are commonly used in robotic research facilities and PoC environments. It also accommodates integration into experimental setups and imitation learning environments like ALOHA. We can also make design modifications to accommodate depth cameras and RGB cameras other than RealSense, based on your requested models. The camera position is one of the experimental conditions for physical AI. INCEPTION builds a hardware environment that supports the "vision" of robots.

• Articulated Robot
• Other industrial robots
• Mechanical Design

In the research and development of physical AI and robotics, there is increasing attention on "imitation learning," where robots learn human movements. At MetalWorks, we support the hardware production of ALOHA (A Low-cost Open-source Hardware System for Bimanual Teleoperation), which is utilized for research and validation of imitation learning. Not only can we reproduce existing configurations as they are, but we can also design from the ground up, allowing for production in sizes and layouts tailored to the customer's research environment and experimental content. We also accommodate the integration of robotic arms based on research objectives and specifications. Additionally, in research on imitation learning and VLA (Vision-Language-Action), the camera environment for acquiring learning data is crucial, not just the robotic arms. We will propose a sensing environment tailored to the research content, including the types, numbers, positions, and mounting methods of cameras. From imitation learning to VLA. MetalWorks designs and manufactures the hardware environment that supports foundational research in physical AI.

• Articulated Robot
• Other industrial robots
• Mechanical Design

フィジカルAIやロボティクスの研究開発では、技術そのものだけでなく、その価値を「どのように伝えるか」も重要な要素です。 展示会や顧客デモ、PoCでは、ロボットの動作だけでなく、デモ環境全体の完成度が技術への印象を左右します。 今回ご紹介するモデルは、これまでの製作実績をもとに標準化したW600×D600×H800のフォーマットを採用。 もちろん、お客様の用途やロボットサイズに合わせたカスタム設計にも対応します。 天板にはA5052製アルミプレートを採用し、デモ機として高級感と完成度の高い外観を実現。天板形状や開口部についても、ご要望に合わせた設計・製作が可能です。 また、カバーパネルを装着することで、電源や配線、制御機器などを内部に収納でき、デモ環境をすっきりとした印象にまとめます。 背面は扉仕様としており、メンテナンス性も考慮しています。 さらに、カバーパネルへ企業ロゴや製品ステッカーを貼付することで、展示会や顧客訪問時の企業PRにも活用できます。 MetalWorksは、ロボットを「動かす」だけでなく、技術の価値を伝えるデモ環境までトータルで設計・製作します。

• Articulated Robot
• Other industrial robots
• Mechanical Design

In the PoC of the robotic arm, a dedicated fixture tailored to the workpiece being tested is necessary. However, in research and development or prototype stages, it is not uncommon for there to be no drawings or 3D data available for the workpiece. At MetalWorks, we can design based on drawings and 3D data, as well as measure actual items to design and manufacture fixtures for workpiece placement. The fixtures are not simple mocks made with a 3D printer but are produced through metal processing. We propose a structure that has durability and reproducibility, suitable for repeated experiments and customer demonstrations. Additionally, we consider not just fixing the workpiece but also the actual operation. We provide a seamless process from workpiece verification to design, metal processing, and assembly, creating an experimental environment suitable for physical AI and robotics PoC. Features: - Dedicated design based on drawings and 3D data - Support for actual measurements when drawings are not available - High-durability fixtures made through metal processing - Proposals for positioning, fixing, and detaching methods - Consideration of robot movement and accessibility - Seamless process from design to manufacturing

• Articulated Robot
• Other industrial robots
• Mechanical Design

In the PoC for gripping, transporting, and assembling with a robotic arm, a fixture for stably positioning the target workpiece is essential. If there is variation in the position or posture of the workpiece, it may not be possible to accurately evaluate the robot's operational precision and recognition performance, leading to a decrease in the reproducibility of experimental results. At MetalWorks, we design and manufacture fixtures for workpiece placement aimed at the research and development of robotic arm PoCs and physical AI. Instead of simple mock-ups made with 3D printers, we produce high-rigidity and high-durability fixtures through metal processing. We create an environment where the position and posture of the workpiece can be stably reproduced, even in repeated experiments and demonstrations. We propose fixtures suitable for the application, taking into account not only the shape of the workpiece but also the access direction of the robot hand, positioning methods, and ease of attachment and detachment. We provide a seamless process from design to processing and assembly, supporting the verification accuracy and development speed of robotic arm PoCs. Features: - Workpiece placement fixtures for robotic arm PoCs - High-rigidity and high-durability structure through metal processing - Stable reproduction of the position and posture of the workpiece - Consideration of the access direction and ease of attachment/detachment of the hand - Seamless support from design to processing and assembly

• Articulated Robot
• Other industrial robots
• Mechanical Design

In the research and development of physical AI and robotics, cameras are essential sensors for recognizing the surrounding environment and making decisions. In PoCs utilizing VLA and VLM, the mounting position and orientation of the camera significantly affect recognition accuracy and experimental results. At MetalWorks, we provide comprehensive design and manufacturing of brackets (mounting fixtures) for various sensors, including pan-tilt cameras. Moreover, by adopting high-rigidity and high-durability brackets made through metal processing instead of simple mocks created by 3D printing, we can accommodate repeated experiments and long-term operations. The bracket we are introducing this time is for pan-tilt cameras, but it can also support various devices with mounting interfaces, such as LiDAR, lighting, sensors, and antennas. We have already seen successful applications in robot payloads and have been utilized in many research and development projects and demonstration experiments. It is not just sensors that enhance a robot's performance. MetalWorks realizes the "optimal perspective" required in the era of physical AI through mechanical design.

• Articulated Robot
• Other industrial robots
• Mechanical Design

As research and development of physical AI and VLA/VLM progresses, the importance of conveying excellent algorithms and robot control as "demonstrations that can be experienced" is increasing. However, there are challenges in simplified experimental environments for research and development, such as: - The appeal of the technology is difficult to convey - Low reproducibility of demonstrations - Lack of visual appeal for exhibitions and customer proposals At MetalWorks, we elevate research results into "communicative demonstrations" through the design and production of robot demonstration fixtures. Instead of simple mock-ups made with 3D printers, we adopt high-precision and durable fixtures made through metal processing. This allows for repeated demonstrations and long-term exhibitions, creating a stable demonstration environment. Additionally, we provide consistent support from design to production tailored to the robot's actions, demonstration scenarios, and the technology that customers wish to convey. We propose dedicated fixtures according to the application. Research results are not sufficient just because they are excellent technologies. By building a demonstration environment that is "understandable at a glance" and "convincing through experience," we can communicate the value of technology more effectively. MetalWorks designs and produces "communicative demonstration environments" that support the social implementation of physical AI.

• Articulated Robot
• Other industrial robots
• Mechanical Design

With the evolution of physical AI, research and development as well as demonstration experiments for humanoid robots are rapidly expanding. On the other hand, during the early stages of development and learning, unexpected movements and falls are unavoidable, leading to challenges such as: - Damage to the robot itself - Collisions with experimental equipment - Ensuring the safety of developers - Decreased development efficiency due to interruptions in experiments At MetalWorks, we design and manufacture humanoid robot experimental units that support these development environments. This product adopts a standardized format of [W2200 × D2200 × H2000] based on our previous development support achievements. We also accommodate custom designs according to applications and robot sizes. The truss structure, which is lightweight yet highly rigid, enables a safe experimental environment for humanoid robots. Although market prices have decreased over time, humanoid robots remain expensive research and development assets. We contribute to enhancing safety not only for the robot itself but also for the entire development environment by mitigating the risk of damage from falls or runaway incidents. MetalWorks proposes the creation of experimental environments that support the development of humanoid robots.

• Articulated Robot
• Other industrial robots
• Mechanical Design

In recent years, with the evolution of physical AI and robotics, the development of systems utilizing high-performance SBCs (Single Board Computers) and edge computers has accelerated. However, operating development boards in real environments is challenging due to many issues such as: - Board protection - Heat dissipation measures - Robustness - Maintainability At MetalWorks, we design and manufacture dedicated cases for SBCs and edge computers tailored to our customers' applications and installation environments. As a notable achievement, we have designed and manufactured cases for the NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano Super. These are not just protective cases; they are designed for practical operational levels, considering integration into robots and demonstration units. Moreover, instead of using 3D-printed prototypes, we achieve high rigidity and stable quality through metal processing. We provide comprehensive support from design to processing, offering optimal enclosures tailored to our customers' systems and installed devices. MetalWorks shapes the edge computing environments required in the implementation sites of robotic systems.

• Articulated Robot
• Other industrial robots
• Mechanical Design

In the development of robotics and physical AI, even with excellent technology, it takes a lot of effort to create an environment that allows you to actually "show it in action." Opportunities to bring robots to the field are increasing, such as at exhibitions, proof of concepts (PoC), customer demos, and research and development purposes. However, manufacturing individual frames, electrical configurations, and sensor mounting parts each time is inefficient. At MetalWorks, we have standardized a mobile platform for collaborative robots based on our experience in robot system development and demo production. This product features: - A user-friendly standard size of W600 × D600 × H800 - Easy mobility and transport with casters - Ideal for exhibitions, PoC, and R&D purposes Additionally, the ceiling part is constructed with an aluminum frame, allowing for additional equipment to be mounted as needed, achieving high expandability. Furthermore, we can accommodate size changes and custom designs tailored to the customer's needs. It has already been adopted in numerous cases as demo machines and proof-of-concept machines utilizing collaborative robots, and is being used in proposal activities and technical verification at end-user sites.

• Articulated Robot
• Other industrial robots
• Mechanical Design

In the development of robotics and physical AI, live demonstrations serve as both a "platform for conveying technology" and a "platform for advancing business." However, in practice, there are many cases where operations are conducted with challenges such as: - Bringing in evaluation equipment as is - Complicated wiring and equipment configurations - Lack of mobility and safety - Poor installation suitability at different sites At MetalWorks, we provide comprehensive support from design to the demonstration stands for collaborative robots, various sensors, and control devices. Based on an aluminum frame, we propose the optimal configuration tailored to each customer's specifications, taking into account application, mounted equipment, portability, safety, and maintainability. We design not just a simple "cart," but a mobile robot platform that considers the center of gravity and weight, assuming actual operational use. Our demonstration units have been widely adopted for exhibitions, proofs of concept, customer proposals, and research and development purposes utilizing collaborative robots. In an era where "showing it in action" is crucial, we propose stands that maximize the value of robots.

• Mechanical Design
• Articulated Robot
• Other industrial robots

In robot development, visual sensors are a crucial element that underpins self-position estimation, object recognition, and imitation learning. On the other hand, in verification environments, unexpected behaviors and collisions are unavoidable, and it is not uncommon for cameras mounted on pan-tilt mechanisms to be damaged. Especially during the phases of actual machine testing, data collection, and reinforcement learning, there are many situations where operations are required to be conducted with the premise that "things will break." At MetalWorks, we design and manufacture fully customized protective guards specifically for pan-tilt cameras for the robotics development field. These are not just simple covers; they are designed with: - Shapes that do not obstruct the field of view (FOV) - Interference avoidance across the entire range of motion - Structures that consider energy dispersion during collisions with the premise of balancing sensing performance and protection performance. The guard does not guarantee that it will "never break." However, it can minimize damage to the camera body and reduce the risk of experiment interruptions. The most costly aspect of robot development is "time." You can utilize this as a solution to minimize losses from test interruptions and equipment replacements, ensuring that the development cycle does not come to a halt.

• Other industrial robots
• Mechanical Design

MetalWorks Co., Ltd. is a company engaged in design, processing, and production (assembly) businesses centered around metal. We support research and development, machine design, and prototyping that directly contribute to the creation of customer profits, committing to provide value as a reliable right-hand partner rather than the main player. Our mission is to remain a right-hand partner that advances our customers' technological development, aiming to be a trusted presence in the industry by building a solid reputation in precision, speed, and proposal capability, and to be chosen in the development sites of the robotics/manufacturing industry. 【Business Content】 ■ Design: Design drafting, mechanism design, exterior design ■ Metal Processing: Machining, milling, turning, wire cutting, surface grinding, press processing ■ Production (Assembly): Aluminum frame assembly, truss assembly, wooden enclosures, mold assembly, cable production *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

• Mechanical Design
• Other industrial robots