Commerce Minister Visits Japan to Explore Lights-Out Manufacturing

• H E Sheikh Faisal visited Japan to explore automation and Lights-Out Manufacturing for Qatar’s industrial development
• Meetings with SoftBank focused on robotics, digital control, and semiconductor manufacturing expertise
• Industrial zone visits highlighted advanced technologies supporting Qatar’s high-tech, knowledge-driven manufacturing goals

Recently, H E Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, traveled to Japan to examine advanced automation technologies and the lights-out manufacturing model.

The minister undertakes a Japan visit to study advanced automation and lights-out manufacturing, promoting industrial innovation, modern manufacturing technologies, and factory automation Japan practices.

His visit is part of the Third National Development Strategy’s emphasis on improving the efficiency of all industries, enhancing high-tech domestic production capability, and decreasing reliance on traditional labour for key industrial sectors.

The Minister was accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA).

During his visit, H E Sheikh Faisal had technical meetings with SoftBank, where he received a presentation on SoftBank's advanced capacity with respect to robotics system integration, digital control systems, and factory management solutions for semiconductor factories.

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Meetings also emphasized Japan's operational excellence and high-quality standards, as well as advanced industrial practices, along with discussions on how these innovations could be used to improve Qatar's manufacturing sector.

The agenda included site tours throughout Tokyo and various industrial districts, where the Minister was able to tour advanced manufacturing facilities and observe advanced manufacturing technologies such as Lights-Out Manufacturing technologies that allow for fully automated production with little human intervention. 

This excursion highlights the Ministry’s goal to promote industrial innovation and advance the global competitiveness of Qatar’s manufacturing sector. Qatar wants to create a sustainable, high-tech industrial base by utilizing advanced technology and best practices from across the globe.

These objectives align with the Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy and work towards the nation’s overall transition towards a knowledge- and technology-based economy, promoting long-term industrial growth and global competitiveness.