Compete globally with 1D simulation.
Hands-on for precise predictions.
Cut manufacturing time & cost.
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MO Tech Ideas Co., Ltd.
- Computer-aided mechanical design support
Itaru Doi
- Prefecture
- Kanagawa
- Business Activities
- Computer-aided mechanical design support
- Company Name
- MO Tech Ideas Co., Ltd.
- Representative Name
- Itaru Doi
- Location
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〒240-0045
1-11-1, Kitasaiko, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Mizunobu Building 7F, Kanagawa, Japan
- Phone Number
- 090-2462-6493
- Website
Factory Stories
What is M&O Consulting's
1D Simulation?
The main service provided by M&O Consulting, led by Itaru Doi, is analysis for performance improvement and troubleshooting using '1D simulation.'
Robots and agricultural machinery used in factories have complex three-dimensional (3D) structures. This essence is extracted for analysis using one-dimensional (1D) data.
A key feature is that the simulation speed is fast, and readability is high, making it easy to understand, as the required data volume and number of formulas are reduced and organized.
"Various elements are intricately intertwined, so it's necessary to select which elements to use. By appropriately incorporating the necessary elements, we can enhance prediction accuracy."
Doi's experience and work ethic enable this appropriate selection.
Experience as a Company Employee
After graduating from the University of Tokyo Graduate School, Doi joined Panasonic and was involved in designing precision mechanisms for cameras.
While design primarily involved desk work using 3D CAD, Doi actively visited factories and participated in assembly work on production lines. He also focused on disassembling competitors' products himself to analyze their structures.
Later, he moved to Sony to design in a more flexible environment.
By visiting sites, getting hands-on, and developing designs with new ideas, he acquired multiple patents during his time at these two companies.
Tips for Generating Ideas
Generating new ideas that lead to patent acquisition is not easy. He says there are three tips for this.
"The first is to simply touch things."
He emphasizes the need to physically interact with objects, not just think about them—processing materials oneself, disassembling products, etc. Ideas emerge by seeing and touching objects.
"The second is paper and pencil."
Write down what's in your head on paper. Writing organizes and stores information, freeing up mental space and making new ideas more accessible. Doi emphasizes 'getting hands-on' rather than just thinking.
"Finally, step away for a while."
When ideas just aren't coming, it's good to take a break—read a novel, go for a walk, take a bath. Often, ideas will suddenly come to you during these times.
He also mentioned that seeing children playing with toys in a sandbox during a walk once sparked a clue for problem-solving.
The Catalyst for Independence
While working at Sony, after his time in mechanical design, he moved into computer simulation, a role involving performance prediction for new products using computers.
During this time, he attended various exhibitions and networking events, gaining opportunities to hear from many companies. Listening to the challenges companies faced, he realized that computer simulation technology could potentially solve these issues.
"I wanted to solve various challenges for more companies using my own technology."
The Utility of Simulation Prediction
For example, if a machine under development has the issue of 'excessive operating noise,' this problem must be resolved before mass production.
To solve such a problem, various options would need to be considered, such as changing the motor itself or altering the gear material. Then, prototypes would be made to see what effects these improvements would have. Naturally, this requires significant time and cost.
Doi's 1D simulation can predict how changes in gear material will affect performance, what results different motors will yield, and how power consumption will change.
Of course, a finished product cannot be created solely through simulation. However, simulation allows for narrowing down to only those options with a high probability of yielding good results.
By carefully selecting prototypes through simulation, significant reductions in time and cost can be achieved.
M&O Consulting's Areas of Expertise
"My expertise primarily lies in things that move. This includes assembly robots used in manufacturing sites, motor-driven power tools, and agricultural machinery. To give more familiar examples, staplers and retractable ballpoint pens, which are operated by hand, can also be simulated."
He also mentioned that things made with cutting-edge technology, like artificial satellites, and toys like Mini 4WD cars can be simulated.
"First, please consult with us. If the content is something I cannot technically handle, I introduce other collaborators."
He explained that various partners specialize in different areas, such as strong in electrical systems or strong in combustion, and they conduct simulations leveraging their respective expertise.
The field of simulation is diverse. To enhance simulation accuracy, knowledge, skills, and experience in each specific field are necessary.
Reasons Why M&O Consulting Is Chosen
Customers likely choose Doi's simulations due to their trust in him. Some might even view simulation as mere "armchair theory."
However, Doi has practical experience in mechanical design and has personally visited sites to perform assembly. His ability to incorporate on-site information into data, based on his understanding of the field, builds trust.
Furthermore, as mentioned in his idea generation methods, Doi emphasizes 'getting hands-on.' Therefore, he visits clients who request his services, touches the actual products, and, if possible, disassembles them to confirm their structure.
"First, I listen to their story, then I ask them to show me and let me touch the product. I'll travel to Niigata, Hiroshima, or Kyushu."
When conducting a new simulation, only about 20% of usable ideas and know-how come from past projects. To accurately select the necessary elements for the remaining 80% and enhance prediction accuracy, Doi continues to value on-site experience.
For manufacturing that can compete globally
Overseas, digitalization is advancing in industry, and some companies are reportedly increasing sales by utilizing simulations.
However, this is not yet fully widespread in Japan. While Doi himself values on-site experience and physical objects, he is concerned that relying solely on these might make it difficult to compete globally.
"Of course, on-site experience and physical objects are important. But I hope that by using simulation as a new tool, rather than just 'on-site' or 'physical objects' alone, we can compete on par with Europe and America."
When the techniques and know-how cultivated by Japanese artisans on-site combine with new technologies like simulation, a new era for Japanese manufacturing may dawn.
