Robot Manufacturer FUJI Announces World's First 'Auto Kitting Station' to Automate Tape Reel Loading

FUJI Corporation has developed the 'Auto Kitting Station,' a new unit that automates the kitting process—loading tape reels into feeders—which has historically been a labor-intensive task in electronics manufacturing. This product integrates with FUJI's cutting-edge NXTR A model, smart storage, and various AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) and automated warehouses. It is the world's first system to automate the loading of tape reels into feeders in conjunction with automated collection and transport systems based on production schedules. This creates a seamless flow from storage to supply in Surface Mount Technology (SMT) manufacturing, contributing to the unmanned operation of production preparation areas. While automation in SMT has progressed, kitting remained a manual bottleneck, causing challenges in high-mix, low-volume production environments. The Auto Kitting Station automates the entire process, from removing empty reels to reading reel IDs, tape preparation, and loading into feeders, thereby stabilizing quality and reducing operator burden. It supports 8mm tape components, which are widely used in SMT. The system will be officially unveiled at 'JISSO PROTEC 2026' held at Tokyo Big Sight from June 10 to 12, 2026.