Tokyo Boeki Techno-System (TTS)

Producing work of impeccable quality is a significant aspect of Japanese craftsmanship. In the Japanese lexicon, one might have heard the word, “monozukuri.” While the word simply translates to “creation of things” in English, there is so much meaning and context to this word that is often lost in translation. Monozukuri is more than just crafting; it is a mindset, a spirit, and a philosophy. When the Japanese talk about monozukuri, they symbolize the Japanese work ethic and their drive toward perfection.

Drawing inspiration from this ethos of the Japanese culture, Tokyo Boeki Techno-System (TTS), a provider of 3D digital measurement solutions, seeks to deliver excellence in the Japanese aerospace manufacturing industry. Exemplars of finesse, TTS brings to the table innovative measurement technology for the aerospace manufacturing domain. Hirohito Mizuhara, the executive managing director of TTS, believes that measurements are the foundation of inventions and creations. “Measurement is not simply an act of deciding the fit of a component but also an indispensable action necessary for evaluating the appropriateness of the processes of ‘Monozukuri,’” he says.

Driven by such robust standards of quality and craftsmanship, TTS has introduced advanced digital measurement solutions into the market that are transforming aerospace manufacturing. The company offers a wide range of products, including 3D measurement devices, non-contact 3D measurement systems (multi-joint, optical, and laser type), inspection and analysis software, and model processing machines. Its non-contact measurement systems have promoted rapid advances in the manufacturing sector, thus enhancing the entire value chain of production.

Apart from manufacturing and engineering, TTS also provides one-stop services, ranging from development to after-sales support.

According to Mizuhara, one of the main challenges faced by manufacturers in the aviation sector is the prolonged onboarding times for new technologies. Although most manufacturers have a roadmap to enhance their productivity, implementing new strategies and technologies is a time-consuming process. To make the entire process easier, TTS incorporates the latest technology at every stage of production, thus accelerating the establishment of smart factories for its clients. Through the integration of IoT and AI with the factory floor equipment, TTS facilitates the seamless acquisition of data during production. TTS leverages the resulting insights to identify the most persisting challenges and develop relevant, customized solutions to resolve them.

Moreover, as Mizuhara highlights, a multitude of organizations are now facing drops in production efficiency and productivity with the shortage of labor in the manufacturing sector. To address this dire situation, the incorporation of fully-automated and semi-automated systems in the modern production line will yield immediate and substantial results. And, TTS helps these companies achieve greater levels of autonomy on the factory floor with its technical know-how and expertise. “Automation and digitalization in the manufacturing sector will play a critical role in enhancing competitiveness and optimizing productivity,” says Mizuhara.

The distinguishing factor of TTS lies in its unparalleled portability and flexibility. The company utilizes automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to move their products around the factory floors. The AGVs by TTS are equipped with collaborative robots that automatically record the measurements of the aircraft fuselage, thus eliminating human intervention. Also, the machine tools on the client’s work floor are integrated with measuring systems to obtain information during the production process. The solutions of TTS merge the capabilities of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT), using the production data to deliver real-time analysis, remote maintenance, fleet control, information supply, reports, and alerts. The data gathered from the production site is not only used for augmenting the present workflow but also to draw future predictions.

“We can further utilize the valuable information gathered from the production sites to promote collaboration and joint development with global partners and research institutes,” adds Mizuhara. By providing customers with joint development capabilities, TTS assists them in achieving a competitive edge over their competitors. The next step for the company is to expand its offerings to the clients. In addition to its measurement solutions, TTS is also assisting clients to identify their root problems, establish robust countermeasures, and supply with the optimal solution.