TPT January 2025

ARTICLE

Murata

Smart building: a tour of the futuristic Murata Manufacturing Innovation Center where pipe sensors are produced

By Haga and Yamamoto from Murata Manufacturing

Sensor usage examples Walking around this floor, the thing that one notices is the sheer number of cameras and sensors installed everywhere. The data collected by these sensors is fed to the central control room and analysed by AI. Let’s look at some of the main functions and usage examples of the sensors and cameras. We will also explain what kind of sensing and detection is possible and the associated benefits. Vibration sensors – early detection of abnormal vibrations Yamamoto: The vibration sensor is used to measure the vibration of a motor and motor shaft. It uses a magnet for easy attachment and detachment, so if the mounting position is inappropriate or the sensor becomes unnecessary, the mounting position can easily be changed, or the sensor removed entirely. Using the sensor to detect vibrations allows maintenance tasks such as lubrication to be performed at the appropriate time. Additionally, it allows the effectiveness of the maintenance to be verified, which is useful for predictive maintenance. Water leak sensors – can detect even minor leaks Haga: The water leak sensor detects water leaks with a leak detection band that is attached to the main unit. For example, if it is installed on the floor around a water supply pump, any sudden leaks can be swiftly detected and dealt with.

The Murata Manufacturing Minato MIRAI Innovation Center, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan is a smart building that combines comfort, energy conservation and safety using IoT technologies and the advanced equipment that supports that functionality. In this article, Haga, who oversees equipment management at the centre, and Yamamoto, who oversees sales at the Tokyo branch office, tell us about the various technologies employed in the machine room and central control room, which together can be thought of as the heart of the building.

Haga (left), who oversees equipment management, and Yamamoto (right), who oversees sales

A well-organised floor and safety considerations

Haga: When one thinks of machine rooms where equipment is installed, one tends to think of gloomy places with dust and oil stains on the floors, but the machine room here has a futuristic appearance and is clean and well organised. Yamamoto: All equipment and pipes that become hot or cold are shielded with thermal insulation, preventing the risk of injury to workers and also preventing deterioration caused by condensation.

Vibration sensor (left) and example of mounting a vibration sensor to a motor (right)

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JANUARY 2025