Software in the field of robotics is undergoing rapid evolution in areas such as perception and control, thanks to the advancement of machine learning and deep learning technologies. To leverage these software advances, PFN has built the rapid prototyping Mechano-Workshop near its headquarters, to quickly fabricate and test robot hardware. Because computer simulations cannot capture all the detail of a real environment, PFN intends to fast-prototype hardware in the workshop and confirm how it moves in the real world. PFN believes that the speed of software development can be applied to its hardware development, by repeating an accelerated cycle of rapid prototyping and improvement. Further, PFN hopes to accelerate new technical innovations by providing a place where software and hardware engineers can work closely and learn from each other.

PFN develops the open-sourced deep learning framework Chainer and the deep learning processor MN-Core with the aim of applying machine learning and deep learning technologies to the real world. In robotics, one of its primary business areas, PFN is developing a fully autonomous tidying-up robot and other personal robots for practical use, as well as collaborating with FANUC to make robots and machine tools intelligent.

PFN plans to prototype and test a broad range of hardware for each of its product families, including robot hands, attachments, and experimental equipment, in Mechano-Workshop.

Photos: Inside Mechano-Workshop

The following machine tools have been or will be installed in the workshop;

• Five-axis machining center
• Three-axis machining center
• NC milling machine
• General-purpose lathe
• Carbon 3D printer
• Fused filament fabrication 3D printer
• Stereolithography 3D printer

PFN will continue to create an environment for software and hardware engineers to learn from each other and enhance their expertise and skills. This will promote the advancement of both software and hardware and accelerate practical applications of new technologies.

投稿 Preferred Networks has built Mechano-Workshop, a rapid prototyping facility for developing robotic hands and verifying simulation results in the real world は Preferred Networks, Inc. に最初に表示されました。

New office location (3rd floor, Otemachi Building)

In addition to a comfortable workspace that enhances individual productivity, our new office has a group work area to facilitate communication among team members, a Japanese-style sitting area with tatami mats, a counter area to enjoy coffee and catered food, among others. With a variety of workspaces added, we aim to build a more comfortable working environment where our employees can collaborate and develop innovative ideas more easily.

With this expansion, we have also set up a manned reception desk for visitors on the third floor of the Otemachi Building and increased the number of meeting rooms as well.  

Workspace with electric, height-adjustable desks

Group work area that can be rearranged to accommodate small to large groups

Sitting area with tatami traditional Japanese floor covering

Counter area

Catered lunch

Manned reception desk (Section 352 on the 3rd floor of Otemachi Building)

投稿 Office expansion は Preferred Networks, Inc. に最初に表示されました。