The manufacturing process for a Kawasaki motorbike is astounding. It requires very complex assembly as well as flexibility. On human-operated assembly lines, the assembly procedure is also done manually. However, robots are utilized to build Kawasaki bikes with amazing results. These advancements are discussed in this article. Kojiro Matsukata, the company’s founder, is also featured in this article.
Matsukata, Kojiro
Kojiro Matsukata, a Japanese manufacturer, was born in Satsuma in 1865. In 1896, he was appointed president of Kawasaki Dockyard Co., Ltd., and later became president of Osaka Seimi Kogyo, Kobe Gas, and the Kawasaki Pier. Matsukata was a well-known art collector, and his collection served as the foundation for the National Museum of Western Art. He was also a voracious collector of Ukiyoe prints, and his collection is now held at the Tokyo National Museum.
In 1886, the Kawasaki Dockyard relocated to Hyogo. During the Sino-Japanese War, the Kawasaki Dockyard was busy repairing ships. Following the war, the corporation became public, and Kojiro Matsukata became the first president. After just a few years, he had established a good name in motorcycle manufacture, and the firm had expanded worldwide.
The Just In Time (JIT) manufacturing process
The Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing approach is one of the most interesting advancements in manufacturing today. Motorcycle production can be exceedingly accurate, and Kawasaki is a pioneer in the sector. Although its assembly lines are still staffed, Akashi Works houses several of its robot’s R&D divisions. This approach is particularly well adapted to the manufacture of motorbikes, which demand high precision and flexibility.
Kawasaki bikes are produced utilizing the “Just-In-Time” system, which helps the firm to avoid storage expenditures. Parts are produced on specialized presses inside the assembly line, eliminating the need for extra inventory. The process is also quite efficient, and employees like the knowledge that they are assembling high-quality bikes and accessories. Furthermore, it contributes to the reduction of supply chain risks. External pressures may disrupt the supply chain, yet the process remains high-quality and cost-effective.
Assembly lines run by humans
Although most motorcycle manufacturers utilize robots, Kawasaki is not the only one that uses human-operated production lines. The Japanese corporation is a pioneer in this technology, with most of its robotics R&D departments based at its Akashi Works facility. Motorcycles need very precise assembly as well as flexibility. Robots perform most operations in Kawasaki’s assembly line, but humans are still required to supervise the robotics and assure quality.
The corporation has many resources, having constructed hundreds of unique buildings and testing facilities. Their own testing track, the Autopolis, allows their R&D teams to do more real-world research. They have significantly improved performance with their ZX-RR MotoGP motorbike this year. A human-powered assembly line for Kawasaki bikes might be an excellent method to expedite the whole manufacturing process.
Perfect timing (Just In Time)
A biker recently sued Kawasaki Heavy Industries Inc. for injuries incurred in an accident caused by a defective electrical component. Despite the motorcycle manufacturer’s denials, the biker appealed to the United States Supreme Court, which overturned a lower court order that barred expert evidence in the case. While the Supreme Court did not rule on the appeal, the motorbike manufacturer has appealed and is appealing the verdict.