What exactly does the device do?

It is an electrical control unit attached to a corrugate machine. It uses sensors for warping, temperature and moisture, plus an AI-equipped computer, to predict and set the machine so sheets do not warp.

Which machines can use it?

It can be applied to corrugate machines made by MHI-MS, the company said.

How does the AI learn to prevent warping?

It constantly and automatically accumulates data on liner moisture, temperature and warp amount for each paper type, and learns the proper machine settings to predict warp-free settings per paper type.

Top Companies' AI MovesTop Companies AI5m agoNov 7, 2026, 06:30 JST

MHI-MS rolls out world's first AI warp-control device for corrugated sheets

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3 Key Points

What happened
MHI-MS announced on October 29 it had developed and commercialized the world's first device that uses an AI prediction model to control corrugated sheet warping caused by moisture differences between front and back liners.
Why it matters
The device lets even the first batch in a production run come out warp-free and is expected to support high-mix, low-volume corrugated box production, easing reliance on veteran operators' experience as retirements and labor shortages make know-how transfer a challenge.

WHO IT HITSCorrugated cardboard manufacturers running MHI-MS corrugate machines and their production and quality-control staff stand to benefit, as fewer warped sheets should mean fewer jams in box-folding machines and less quality loss.

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Context & Analysis

MHI-MS has supplied more than 300 corrugate machines in Japan and overseas since delivering its first unit in 1956, and it is now adding AI to that installed base. The device draws on AI technology held by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' own research institute, combining group research assets with MHI-MS's machinery business.

The timing reflects two pressures described by the company: skilled operators who adjusted machines by experience and intuition are retiring amid labor shortages, and the domestic market is shifting toward high-mix, low-volume corrugated box production. Conventional warp-control devices reportedly struggle with the latter, and warping can change over time. Warped sheets tend to jam in box-folding machines, which can lead to quality defects and lower productivity.

By having the AI continuously learn per-paper-type settings, MHI-MS says the device makes it possible to produce warp-free product from the very first lot. The company positions the launch as a way to expand synergies with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries group technology and to keep developing high-performance products for market needs in Japan and abroad.

FAQ

What exactly does the device do?: It is an electrical control unit attached to a corrugate machine. It uses sensors for warping, temperature and moisture, plus an AI-equipped computer, to predict and set the machine so sheets do not warp.
Which machines can use it?: It can be applied to corrugate machines made by MHI-MS, the company said.
How does the AI learn to prevent warping?: It constantly and automatically accumulates data on liner moisture, temperature and warp amount for each paper type, and learns the proper machine settings to predict warp-free settings per paper type.

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