High-Speed Appearance Inspection Unit Integrating “i-WRIST” Adopted by Major Die-Casting Manufacturer
May 11, 2026
- Enabling high-speed appearance inspection of large and complex die-cast components
- Featuring a space-saving, slim-width unit design
- Available in large and small configurations to accommodate diverse workpieces
NTN Corporation (hereafter NTN) has developed a high-speed appearance inspection*1 unit designed to automate appearance inspection processes for a wide range of workpieces, including die-cast products, by integrating its proprietary wrist joint module “i-WRIST”. The unit is available in two configurations—a large type and a small type—according to workpiece size and mass. The large-type unit has been adopted by Ryobi Limited, a leading die-casting manufacturer (President and Representative Director: Akira Uragami; Headquarters: Fuchu City, Hiroshima Prefecture), in recognition of its ability to rapidly automate the appearance inspection of large die-cast products with complex geometries and multiple inspection points. In addition, the small-type unit has been adopted by a domestic automotive manufacturer, which evaluated the system's inspection speed and compact equipment design.
With demand for die-cast components expected to increase further alongside the growing adoption of xEVs (electrified vehicles), NTN will further strengthen its sales activities for this product, particularly for appearance inspection applications of die-cast products. Through these efforts, NTN aims to contribute to automation and higher-speed inspection processes, as well as improved inspection quality.
- Press release on October 21, 2025:
NTN Starts Development and Proposal of a High-Speed Inline Appearance Inspection Unit for Die-Cast Products Integrating the Wrist Joint Module “i WRIST” (Japanese only)
https://www.ntn.co.jp/japan/news/new_products/news202500080.html
Wrist Joint Module “i-WRIST”
Automated appearance inspection of die-cast productsusing a high-speed appearance inspection unit
Background of development
Die casting is a manufacturing process in which molten metal is injected into molds at high speed and pressure, enabling efficient production of components with complex geometries. In recent years, with the growing adoption of xEVs, die-cast components such as inverter cases, motor housings, and battery cases have been increasingly used, and further expansion of production volumes is expected.
Meanwhile, manufacturing sites are facing increasingly severe labor shortages, driving the need for automation and labor-saving measures across production processes. Because die-cast products often have complex shapes, appearance inspection frequently requires evaluation from multiple directions. As a result, appearance inspection has traditionally relied on manual inspection, imposing a heavy burden on operators due to the large number of inspection points involved. For large die-cast products, the substantial mass of the workpieces further increases physical strain and safety risks during manual inspection. In particular, die-cast products for xEV applications are becoming larger, heightening the need for automated appearance inspection in terms of both labor reduction and workplace safety.
Inverter case
Motor housing
Product Overview
NTN's wrist joint module “i-WRIST” enables high-speed, fine angular control, allowing efficient automation of multi-point inspection tasks. Leveraging these characteristics, NTN has developed a high-speed appearance inspection unit specifically designed for appearance inspection of complex-shaped workpieces such as die-cast products.
The unit combines the core components of “i-WRIST”, including the drivetrain unit, dedicated console, and dedicated controller, with linear and rotary actuators that control the positioning of workpieces and cameras, forming an integrated inspection unit. By unitizing the components required for high-speed inspection at multiple points, the system significantly reduces customer workloads related to equipment design, parts procurement, and equipment manufacturing. The unit supports applications ranging from evaluation and verification to installation in mass-production lines.
Two configurations—a large type and a small type—are available to suit different workpiece sizes and masses. Both are designed for use in mass-production environments and feature a space-saving, slim configuration. In particular, the small-type unit employs NTN's proprietary control algorithm, which enables integrated control of the “i-WRIST”, Y-axis, Z-axis, and R-axis, eliminating the need for an X-axis and achieving further downsizing.
NTN collaborates with image processing system manufacturers and robot system integrators to propose appearance inspection solutions that combine “i-WRIST” motion control technology with AI-based image processing and system integration technologies*2. When used in conjunction with cameras, lighting systems, and AI image-processing applications, the unit enables high-speed appearance inspection at up to 0.2 seconds per inspection point—equivalent to manual inspection speeds—even for complex-shaped workpieces with numerous inspection points. When used in combination with transfer robots, the system enables inspection of the entire surface of workpieces.
- Press release on October 17, 2025:
NTN Starts Proposal for an Appearance Inspection Solution Integrating i-WRIST, Wrist Joint Module, with AI and Software Technologies
https://www.ntnglobal.com/en/news/new_products/news202500078.html
NTN will continue leveraging “i-WRIST” to provide optimal appearance inspection solutions for a wide range of workpieces, thereby contributing to the resolution of labor shortages at manufacturing sites, as well as further automation, labor-saving, reduced man-hours, and improved quality.
Features
| 1. Space-Saving, Slim-Width Unit Design |
|
|---|---|
| 2. High-Speed Appearance Inspection for Complex-Shaped Workpieces |
|
Specifications
| Large type | Small type | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance |  |
 |
| Unit dimensions | Approx. W1,110×D1,800×H1,930 mm |
Approx. W520×D1,000×H1,645 mm |
| Installation footprint | Approx. 2.0 m2 | Approx. 0.52 m2 |
| Supported workpiece size | φ690×H150 mm or less | φ150×H150 mm or less |
| Supported workpiece mass*3 | 25.0 ㎏ or less | 5.0 ㎏ or less |
| Supported workpieces | Inverter cases, transmission cases, etc. |
Gears, motor housing, etc. |
| Axis configuration | X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis, R-axis | Y-axis, Z-axis, R-axis |
- Includes the chuck weight
For reference
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i-WRIST product website:
https://www.ntn.co.jp/i-wrist/index.html (Japanese only)
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