抄録
The Mechanical Engineering Laboratory has been endeavoring to realize the concept of a new production system; a "Microfactory" which would considerably decreases the energy consumption and the space occupide by conventional micromechanical fabrication technologies. Our research group in MEL developed a machining Microfactory. It comprises a small lathe, a milling machine, a press machine for machining small parts, a small parts transfer arm, and a two-fingered microhand for assembling parts. To verify the machining, transfer and assembly functions of the system, we manufactured a miniature pivot ball bearing. The second prototype of the Microfactory has been designed to be packaged in a suitcase to demonstrate its portability.
