"Microfactory"

- Produce whatever you like, as small and few as you want, wherever you are. -

The recent conception of the "microfactory" and miniaturized production systems, as well as the research and development of the microlathe, have demonstrated the feasibility of downsizing energy saving, distributed, and eventually environmentally conscious, manufacturing systems.
A workshop on microfactories will be held in Tsukuba Science City with major emphasis placed on microfactory concept establishment, and microfactory cells or modules and their systematization. The participants will be introduced to, as well as encouraged to contribute to, various aspects of this field, thus establishing future evolution of the microfactory concept.

Tentative topics include:

(1) Microfactories for mechanical manufacturing industries

(2) Microfactories for chemical and bio-related industries

(3) Microassembly technology including micro-manipulation, assembly and disassembly, and device mounting technology

(4) New innovative micromanufacturing processes

(5) Microfactories in space or extreme environments.