Date of visit: February 6th, 2017
Weather: Sunny
Hello, everyone! This is Narorin♪
In this Narorin Report or Naroripo, I will tell you about my visit to the Institute of Agricultural Machinery, NARO (IAM/NARO) in Saitama City. The Bio-oriented Technology Research Advancement Institution (BRAIN) is also located in this campus.
The Institute of Agricultural Machinery is conducting research on innovative mechanization for agriculture, utilizing robots and information communication technology.
In the research unit I visited today, they were developing machineries that make cultivation and production of fruit and tea more easily. Right now, they are developing a device that can extract pollen swiftly for pollination with fruit trees such as pear. Since the device is in development stage it is maintained as a secret, so I could not see that, bummer!
Instead, I got to see a device that supports the arm while working.
Working in orchards, there are many long and hard work involving both arms raised under the tree. This device supports the raised arm to burden the muscle fatigue. It is a human friendly device, you can easily raise and lower your arm. And there is no power source, though supports your arm from underneath. It is so light and fun to use!
Next, I was guided to the workshop which is the main section of the institute for developing agricultural tools and machineries. There were so many machine tools that I have never seen before! And the machines were all lined up neatly. The place is so clean and well organized!!
This machine can cut and scrape metal. Looks like a super hero helmet. Wrong~ it a protection mask from sparks that flies during welding.
Next, I saw a 3D printer. It's neat, you can make a prototype before going full-scale with metal! I wonder whether I can make something if I have a 3D data.....hum.
Machines capable of processing various materials in various ways are available here. There are things that becomes clear after producing a prototype. It is important to see the actual thing. In order to build a new machine, machines in this work shop plays an important role. I hope farm work will become easier with new farm machinery and robots!
Here I am with IAM staff who guided me in this visit.
Titbits♪
I chatted with staff members of IAM while eating lunch.
Wow! Narorin is on the banner of the ski club of IAM...how nice!
Now I'm wondering where to go next...
Check here for further details about the Institute of Agricultural Machinery, NARO.
