Learning by Demonstration! Development of Loom Technology

Next, let's learn through demonstrations the process of making cloth using yarn produced on a spinning machine.

Sakichi's First Invention, the Toyoda Wooden Powered Loom

The first invention of Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of the Toyota Group, was the Toyoda Wooden Powered loom, completed in 1890.

This is an improved version of the "Battan Takabata (weaving machine)," a handloom called a Takabata that has been used in Japan since ancient times, with a fly shuttle mechanism attached. The three movements of opening, weaving, and beating are achieved by simply changing pedals and moving the reed handle back and forth with one hand.

This shuttle automatically moves to the left or right and inserts the thread horizontally.

Watching the shuttles fly by is a fascinating sight. It is said that the weaving machine eliminates the need for skilled weavers and improves weaving productivity by 40 to 50% compared to the Battan Takamaki! It is a simple mechanism, but a brilliant one.

Sakichi's Masterpiece, the Non-stop Shuttle Change Automatic Loom (Type G Automatic Loom)

The first Non-stop Shuttle Change Automatic Loom (Type G Automatic Loom)

Sakichi Toyoda, founder of the Toyota Group

Sakichi continued to improve his looms such as the wide and high-speed N-type loom, and the Y-type loom suitable for kimono widths.

Sakichi's masterpiece, the Non-stop Shuttle Change Automatic Loom (Type G Automatic Loom), was completed in 1924. The type G automatic loom reflected more than 50 of Sakichi's inventions and innovations. Productivity was greatly improved and weaving quality was also improved, achieving the best performance in the world. It was a pioneer in the modernization of Japanese industry, catapulting the weaving industry to a world-class level.

Its perfection was such that it was described as a "magic loom".

With the advent of the type G automatic loom, one worker were able to handle 30 to 50 looms. You can observe group operation of the G-type automatic loom at the exhibition hall!

The key to increased productivity is the automation of shuttle changing. During high-speed operation, the shuttle can be changed smoothly and the weft can be replenished without slowing down even a little. I was able to observe this in action and was amazed at how fast it was.

The shuttle itself also has a secret. In the past, the shuttle was threaded with an opening, which caused problems such as absorbing cotton dust. (The right photo is the conventional one)

The shuttle of the type G automatic loom is designed so that when a thread is hung over the cut portion and pulled until it breaks, the reaction pulls the thread through the hole. These small innovations were the key to improving efficiency.