Support for human resource development
We are responsible for cultivating human resources in the machine tool industry. DMG MORI has internal training facilities worldwide, offers scholarships, and lends machine tools to fulfill its obligation to society.
Mori Manufacturing Research and Technology Foundation
Investment in R&D activities and human resources development
Since its establishment in 2016, the Foundation has concentrated its effort in supporting activities which contribute to the development and sustainable growth of not only the machine tool industry but also the global industry, focusing on the three areas of “human resources development,” “community and culture,” and “research and development.” The Foundation will continue to strengthen its ties with local communities and fulfill its part of social responsibility.
1) Human resources development program
The Foundation continues to provide support for the endowed Chair of Digital Design and Production, Precision Measurement and Processing Research Consortium, which was established in April 2020 as part of Kyoto University’s 125th anniversary project, as well as the Graduate School of Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability, Kyoto University (“Shishu-Kan”) and the Japanese-German Center Berlin “Young Leaders’ Forum”.
In addition, from 2019 onwards, we provide 3-year scholarships to engineering graduate students at Kyoto University, Keio University, and the University of Tokyo. 5 students from the first term received their doctoral degrees in March 2022, and are now active in their respective fields, either working for private companies or continuing their research at universities. 5 students from the second term will be awarded in April 2023. In April 2023, one of the five second-term students is scheduled to join DMG MORI CO., LTD. Furthermore, from April 2023, the program will be expanded to five graduate students in the humanities and social sciences at Kyoto University.
Continuing from last year, a technical get-together by the scholarship recipients was held at the Nara PDC (Product Development Center) in August 2022. It was a very meaningful time with lively discussions that transcended the boundaries of universities and majors. We will continue to actively provide opportunities for exchanges like this to increase the number of doctoral students with advanced expertise and global activities.
Technical Reception at Nara PDC on August 17, 2022
2) Community and culture programs
Japan National Orchestra Co., Ltd., established in May 2021, performs concerts and other outreach activities for children at elementary and high schools in Nara Prefecture. In addition, the 140 cherry trees planted along the Bodaisen River in Yamato Koriyama City, Nara prefecture, where DMG MORI CO., LTD. was founded, have been well appreciated by many people including local residents. In addition, through its support for the reconstruction of shrines and temples as well as festivals and events, the Foundation shows its respect to the history and culture rooted in the region and contributes to further development.
3) Research and development programs
While DMG MORI CO., LTD. funds R&D activities of machine tools and related technologies, the Foundation funds R&D programs with and loans or donates machine tools to universities and research institutes worldwide.
Another main focus area of the Foundation is providing support for international academic conferences, etc.
Industry-University collaboration and training of engineers
Advanced engineer training at Nara Product Development Center
The Nara Product Development Center (Nara PDC), which opened in July 2022, serves as a development center for digital transformation and advanced technologies, as well as a place to train and employ human resources skilled in cutting-edge digital transformation technologies and elemental technologies of machine tools. The center also serves as a base for promoting exchanges among engineers, including industry-academia collaborations, by taking advantage of its location, which is easily accessible from both Keihanshin (Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe), a major center of electronics, industrial machinery, and medical equipment companies in Japan. The facility is also equipped with practical training facilities for students of the Faculty of Engineering at Nara Women’s University to support the development of women in engineering.
Cooperation with national universities
Promoting diversity including gender equality in engineering
We signed a comprehensive agreement with Nara Women’s University, the first women’s university in Japan to establish an engineering department. We support the development of female human resources in engineering by dispatching lecturers and devising curricula that utilize machining technology.
Under the theme of “Advanced Design and Production Engineering,” which organically links and teaches design and development technology, production technology, and advanced technology, eight lectures were held for 2022. In 2023, in addition to eight lectures, eight practical training sessions are planned, of which six will take place at DMG MORI’s Nara PDC. The program will contribute to the development of engineers who can apply their specialized skills, knowledge and comprehensive knowledge of the manufacturing industry to the real world.
Fostering research and development activities
Joint R&D with universities and research institutes, and funding academic conferences
DMG MORI CO., LTD. promotes joint research and development*1 of machine tools and related technologies*2 with universities and research institutes in Japan and abroad. The Mori Manufacturing Research and Technology Foundation also provides operational support for international academic conferences such as CIRP (College International pour la Recherche en Productique: International Academy of Production Engineering). ICPE (International Conference on Precision Engineering) was held at the Nara Convention Center from November 28 to December 2, 2022. President Mori of DMG MORI CO., LTD. was appointed as the chairperson of the conference, and Executive Officer Irino was appointed as the vice chairperson, supporting the welcome party at the Nara Product Development Center and the banquet held at the hotel. On the final day, a tour of the Nara System Plant and the Nara Product Development Center was held. 290 presentations and nearly 400 participants made the first face-to-face ICPE meeting in four years with a great success.
- *1The University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Keio University, University of California (Berkeley), Leibniz University Hannover
- *2Joint research and development mainly in the fields of machining technology, intelligent systems and network technology
ICPE (International Conference on Precision Engineering) 2022 held at Nara Convention Center
Aiming for improving skills and motivation for operators at customers
Cutting Dream Contest
The Cutting Dream Contest has been held since 2004 for companies, schools, and research institutes in Japan that are involved in the machining industry and use cutting-type machine tools, additive manufacturing, laser cutting machines, and other advanced machining equipment, with the aim of improving and exchanging technology and skills. The technologies and ideas contained in these masterpieces, as well as the spirit of improvement that spares no effort, support the world’s manufacturing.
In 2022, the 17th edition of the contest, we welcomed seven judges, including the chairman of the judging committee, Mr. Mamoru Mitsuishi, Director*1 of the National Institution for Academic Degrees and University Reforms, Japan. As a result of rigorous screening, out of 50 entries, 5 were selected from the Industrial Parts Machining Division, 6 from the Prototype / Test Machining Division, 3 from the Artistic Modeling Division, 3 from the Advanced Machining Division, and 5 from the Academic Division, and was presented at the JIMTOF2022 on November 8, 2022.
The award ceremony was held on November 8, 2022 at a special venue in our booth at JIMTOF2022.
- *1As of October 2022
Support for customers’ operator training
Establishing DMG MORI Academies in various locations in Japan
The Company intends to establish DMG MORI Academy in five cities in Japan, Hamamatsu, Kanazawa, Sendai, Okayama, and Fukuoka (location to be determined), by 2025 to support the training of young engineers. Each academy will be equipped with several DMG MORI machine tools, such as DMU 50 3rd Generation, a 5-axis machine and, NTX 1000 2nd Generation, a mill-turn center, TULIP, a digital transformation tool, and a 3D measuring equipment, which will be used for private lessons to customers. With DMG MORI Academy opening at various locations in Japan, customers will have the opportunity to touch DMG MORI products at their nearest location at their convenience. The Company is convinced that it can maximize the learning experience of customers’ operators by combining online classes on DMG MORI Digital Academy, and practical machining training at one of its DMG MORI Academy locations.
DMG MORI ACADEMY Hamamatsu
5-Axis Machining Association
In 2018, the Company lent out 70 units of DMU 50, a standard 5-axis machine, to 70 customers throughout Japan as part of its 70th anniversary project. 5-axis machines are capable of machining complex shapes with high precision, but on the other hand, they require a high level of skill and experience to operate, such as unique programming. As a result, the penetration rate of 5-axis machines in Japan remained low compared to those in other countries. Therefore, the Company formed a “5-Axis Machining Association” and took measures to promote 5-axis machining technology, by dispatching its engineers twice a month to the companies to which it loaned DMU 50, holding private lessons to which customers around the area were invited as well, and offering a total of 1,161 lessons to its customers’ operators.
In 2021, in response to the positive feedback from customers to these activities, the Company redefined the “5-Axis Machining Association” as an organization that aims at fostering communication among member companies and advancement of 5-axis machining technology. The new organization has been conducting activities such as hosting biannual general meetings, publishing newsletters, holding technical seminars by DMG MORI engineers, and organizing a contest in which the member companies showcase their 5-axis machining skills. As of the end of 2022, there are 140 member companies and organizations. Through these activities, the “5-Axis Machining Association” helps customers recruit and train operators as well as provides a forum for member companies and organizations to interact and exchange information, thereby expanding business opportunities for customers and stabilizing their operations.
Dialogue at the general meeting
DMU 50 maintenance training
Newsletter