Mar 23, 2026 FUJI CORPORATION has earned two 2026 New Product Introduction (NPI) Awards, recognizing its leadership in advancing intelligent automation across SMT manufacturing. The company was honored in the Automation Tools category for its Automated Nozzle Setup and Changeover (Nozzle Supply Unit – NXTR A) and in the Component Storage category for its Smart Storage system.
Eliminating SMT’s Last Manual Bottleneck
FUJI’s Automated Nozzle Setup and Changeover addresses one of the final manual bottlenecks in SMT production: nozzle exchange. By automating nozzle supply, collection, and maintenance-triggered replacement, the system removes the need for operator intervention at the machine—transforming a traditionally disruptive task into a fully automated background process.
Purpose-built for FUJI’s NXTR A platform, the nozzle supply unit integrates directly with existing placement modules, heads, and Advanced Nozzle Maintenance software. No upstream or downstream equipment modifications are required.
The compact, modular unit occupies nine slots and supports multiple placement heads and nozzle quantities. Automatic nozzle exchange is governed by defined maintenance conditions such as pickup counts and error thresholds, ensuring nozzles are replaced at the optimal time. Because exchange occurs without stopping the machine, production continues uninterrupted—improving uptime, throughput, and overall line utilization while reducing labor demands.
For high-mix and frequently changing production lines, the result is measurable ROI through increased effective machine time, fewer placement errors, and reduced operator involvement.
Transforming Feeder Logistics with Intelligent Storage
FUJI’s Smart Storage system takes a system-level approach to offline changeover preparation and feeder handling—long recognized as persistent inefficiencies in SMT operations. By automating feeder sorting, storage, retrieval, and AMR-based transport based on production schedules, Smart Storage converts manual, error-prone processes into a coordinated and intelligent workflow.
Designed for seamless integration with FUJI’s NXTR platform and NEXIM software (V3.2.0 or later), Smart Storage works with standard Fuji feeders and feeder carts, allowing manufacturers to adopt the system without replacing existing assets.
The modular configuration includes unloading/loading areas, preparation stations, Smart Loader automation, and scalable storage units. Automated feeder identification and destination verification reduce handling variability, while AMR transport minimizes manual movement across the factory floor.
By synchronizing material logistics with production schedules, Smart Storage reduces offline changeover labor, prevents component-related downtime, and improves throughput consistency. Automated reel storage, retrieval, and inventory tracking eliminate time spent searching for parts, reduce scrap, and support unattended operation—particularly valuable in high-mix, high-volume environments.
Driving the Future of Autonomous SMT Manufacturing
Together, the Automated Nozzle Setup and Changeover system and Smart Storage represent FUJI CORPORATION’s commitment to eliminating manual intervention points across the SMT process. By addressing both tooling automation and intelligent material logistics, FUJI is helping manufacturers move closer to fully autonomous, lights-out production environments while achieving measurable gains in efficiency, quality, and return on investment.
With two 2026 NPI Awards, FUJI CORPORATION continues to lead the industry in delivering practical, scalable automation solutions that directly improve manufacturing performance.
Presented by CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY, the NPI Awards honor the most innovative products introduced to the electronics assembly industry over the past year. Winners are selected by an independent panel of practicing engineers who evaluate entries based on innovation, functionality, and impact on manufacturing performance.
FUJI CORPORATION is a recognized leader in SMT pick and place solutions and smart factory automation. The company is committed to advancing modern manufacturing through high speed, high precision placement machines and intelligent software. With decades of innovation in vision processing and part recognition, Fuji’s robotic electronic component mounters continue to set industry standards for quality, performance, and reliability.
