Bringing Physical AI to the Machining Shop Floor with the New AI Masterless Vision Zero Setup. Zero Programming. Just Place the Workpiece.

To further accelerate factory automation, FANUC is driving the implementation of Physical AI even in machining operations through its open platform. As part of this initiative, FANUC has developed the new AI Masterless Vision, an innovative robotic vision solution powered by the latest Physical AI technologies.

FANUC AI Masterless Vision

• In recent years, the evolution of AI, including LLMs (Large Language Models), has drawn significant attention as “Physical AI”," which combines intelligence with physical movement. Through sensors, robots are able to perceive their surroundings, make autonomous decisions, and execute actions based on environmental conditions.
• Since introducing FANUC Robot’s Open Platform for Physical AI at the International Robot Exhibition (iREX) in December last year, FANUC has received significant interest and inquiries from customers seeking to apply Physical AI technologies to their manufacturing operations.
• As demand increases for automation solutions that were previously difficult or even impossible to automate, FANUC has developed AI Masterless Vision, a Physical AI solution offering the following key features.

Key Features of AI Masterless Vision

Zero Setup. Zero Teaching. Just Place the Workpiece.

• FANUC has equipped its AI robots with "common sense about objects," allowing them to visually recognize items based on general commands. They can look through the camera and recognize objects specified in everyday terms.
• In machining operations, workpieces vary continuously in material, shape, and location. Traditionally, each new workpiece had to be individually registered and taught to the robot before handling, a process commonly known as vision teaching.
• AI Masterless Vision eliminates the need for vision teaching. For example, when instructed to handle a “cylinder”, the AI-powered robot can identify and pick up previously unseen cylindrical workpieces directly from camera images, without any prior training or setup.

Human-Like Recognition of Object Shapes

• Combining advanced AI with vision technology, AI Masterless Vision enables robots to perceive the 3D shape of objects in a manner like a human vision. The AI has been trained in how objects appear under a wide range of lighting conditions, allowing it to accurately recognize object geometry even when brightness changes throughout the day or across seasons.
• This capability enables FANUC AI-powered robots mounted on AGVs and other mobile platforms to reliably locate and handle target objects with simple instructions, regardless of changes in the surrounding environment.

Detection of Transparent and Reflective Workpieces, Previously Difficult for Conventional Vision Systems

• "AI Masterless Vision" has also learned the appearance of transparent objects and mirror-like reflective objects. It is now possible to recognize transparent and reflective workpieces, which were previously invisible to any conventional camera.
• Conventional vision sensors struggled to accurately locate metallic parts with glossy surfaces, even if they weren’t mirror-finished. This required trial and error on the shop floor, such as fine-tuning the lighting. Thanks to "AI Masterless Vision," FANUC AI robots are now highly proficient at handling these types of parts.

Live Demonstration at JIMTOF 2026

At the Japan International Machine Tool Fair (JIMTOF 2026), to be held at Tokyo Big Sight from October 26, FANUC will showcase a live demonstration of AI Masterless Vision. FANUC AI robot identifies, picks, and loads/unloads various cylindrical workpieces placed in front of it into a lathe chuck, with zero setup and zero teaching.

No need for vision teaching. Simply place the workpieces in front of the robot, and then the operator leaves for the day. Visitors to JIMTOF 2026 will be able to see this vision of next-generation automation in live action.

Shipments start: January 2027

AI Masterless Vision Live Demonstration System

Reflective and Transparent Workpieces for the Live Demonstration

（October 2026）