i happen to like the canon quite a bit...but i still think the video is funny.
everyone has their own sense of humor, though, so it's alright.

Such a machine must cost a few millions and its programming it is probably also very costly.

I believe its main application is in the manufacturing of unique or very small series of very complex parts, that can be sold in the tens or hundreds of thousand dollars each, such as moulds for plastic injection and metal punching.

I believe, however, that Yamaha is using modern machining and probably CN (Digital control of the machine) in the manufacturing of instruments. After all, the are a very big corporation and very involved in vehicles manufacturing. Some synergy would be an obvious advantage.

Well, it they now are less than a million, it will be a bargain to have one in the basement! (JJK).

Do you know whether it is true, that Yamaha is using CNC in the manufacturing of some parts for their musical instruments?

BTW, as we are a little off from flutes, but the subject might be interesting for those curious or interested in modern manufacturing, CNC stands for "Computerized Numerical Control" and a short descriptive article can be found here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNC

>>Are they being used to rapidly shape embouchure plates and holes to incredible consistency and accuracy?<<

As far as I know, they have been used for a while now. The old UMI company before it became CS listed their new 5 axis machines for this purpose in our dealer advertisements.

So they are consistant. Just consistantly bad!

It's not the tool...It's what you do with the tool...

Joe B

No, I did not watch the other videos. You know, I am more of an electronically minded person. Those incredibly powerful, fast and almighty robots give me thrill in the back. I feel afraid of them, in other words.

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"feel afraid" probably is not the right meaning (not sure...). I meant: I fear them.

You are 100% right!. Moreover, these machines would not be possible without their computer brains, which are of course almost all electronics.

BTW (taking the thread still farther off theme), I am in conversations with a company there, that manufactures naval visual aids products. If the conversations advance, I may visit your land soon. It is some 30 hours trip, but still an interesting possibility.

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We are leaving for a 4 days trip in France. Will not be posting in this period.