On April, 2004, the total number of shipments of Yaskawa industrial robots, known as "MOTOMAN", has reached 110,000 making Yaskawa number one for total robots shipped. This is 18% of the world's total shipment of industrial articulated robots.

Left: Spot welding robot, MOTOMAN-UP165 Right: Double-armed clean robot, MOTOMAN-CSL15D, for handling large LCD boards

  1. Background

In 1977, Yaskawa released the first MOTOMAN as the first all-electrically-controlled industrial robot in Japan. Since then, MOTOMAN has increased its number of shipments every year.

Investments in plants and equipment have steadily increased, especially in the automobile and semiconductor industries. Now, robots are required not only for labor saving but also for keeping stable quality and pristine clean room conditions, and as a result, the market has dramatically expanded.

To meet the diverse needs and applications of the market, Yaskawa has continued to develop new robots and provided products on demand.
Now, MOTOMAN has a large share in the world market.

  2. 2001 Sales Plan

In 2001, Yaskawa is aiming to sell 9000 units, with 50% for export. This is a 10% increase of the total sales in 2000.
We always try to provide the most advanced products and to strengthen sales in new markets such as FDP manufacturing, small electronic parts handling, and current automobile markets.

  Details of Shipments

Area (Re. total shipments)

Japan: 61%
Abroad: 39% (USA: 17%, Europe: 14%, and Asia: 8%)
53% for the last three years

  Applications in 2000

Arc welding: 43%
Spot welding: 10%
Handling: 28%
Clean rooms: 9%
Painting and others: 10%

  World Share in 2000

Arc welding robot: 33%
Clean robot for FDP: 35%