25/09/2023 for Ultatek The concept of collaborative robots, or «cobots,» isn't new, but it has taken a couple of decades for Mitsubishi Electric cobots to become light and agile enough to be attractive to companies in Mexico. In this case, we will focus on how Mitsubishi Electric cobots are transforming the Mexican manufacturing industry. ULTATEK, a Mitsubishi Electric robot provider, has been a key player in the evolution of cobots in Mexico. Its ASSISTA robotic arm technology has become a preferred option for many companies in the country. The combination of the Mitsubishi Electric ASSISTA cobots, along with the technical advice of ULTATEK engineers, is changing the approach of companies regarding factory automation in Mexico. Mitsubishi Electric's cobots are contributing to the transformation of industry in Mexico, providing advanced and reliable solutions that drive efficiency and agility in factory automation. How Mitsubishi Cobots Revolutionize Factory Automation in Mexico The manufacturing industry in Mexico is undergoing a significant transformation thanks to advances in robotic automation. In this context, collaborative robots, or «cobots,» from Mitsubishi Electric have emerged as a crucial solution for improving agility and efficiency in the country's factories. These innovative cobots are redefining how companies approach automation, providing notable benefits that impact both production and work quality. The key to the success of Mitsubishi Cobots lies in their meticulous design and their ability to interact safely and fluidly with human workers in the factory environment. Unlike conventional industrial robots, cobots are intrinsically lighter and more agile, allowing them to work in smaller spaces and collaborate directly with employees. This close and harmonious collaboration fosters a more flexible and adaptable work environment, where tasks can be effectively shared between humans and cobots, as needed. One of the standout factors in Mitsubishi Cobots is their intuitive visual programming capability. Previously, robot programming was often a complex task reserved for experts. However, with the graphical programming interface, even those without advanced technical knowledge can configure and adjust the cobots according to specific factory needs. This not only streamlines the startup process but also allows companies to quickly adapt to changes in production or products. The versatility of Mitsubishi Cobots also stands out in their ability to learn and adapt. The possibility of directly teaching the cobot by manually moving its arm facilitates reconfiguration for new tasks. This means that factories can quickly switch between different production processes without the need for costly reconfigurations or lengthy disruptions. Cobots can also be easily relocated to different areas of the factory, maximizing their utility and flexibility. USEFUL CONTENT – Collaborative robots for the food and beverage sector: Keys to maximizing ROI Mitsubishi Electric Cobots, with the support of authorized distributors like ULTATEK, are further driving efficiency in the automation of Mexican factories. The integration of advanced features such as visual programming and dynamic trajectory planning has expanded problem-solving capabilities and process optimization, providing companies with the opportunity to achieve higher levels of productivity. Main Technical Features of Mitsubishi Cobots Ease of ProgrammingMitsubishi Electric cobots offer an intuitive programming interface that allows for easy setup and reconfiguration of pick-and-place points. Dynamic Trajectory PlanningRealtime Robotics technology enables dynamic, real-time motion planning for collision avoidance between multiple robotic arms in the same workcell. Dynamic InterlocksInstead of using traditional static interlocks, Realtime Robotics' system employs dynamic interlocks to ensure robots share space without collision. Fault Recovery AutomationCobots offer the ability to automatically recover from failures, which minimizes downtime on the production line. Automatic RestartIn case of a failure, the system can automatically restart the robot, avoiding the need for human intervention and reducing downtime. Real-Time Route OptimizationRealtime Robotics' controller and RapidPlan software manage robot movements in real-time, adjusting paths as needed. Benefits Offered Time savingProgramming and reprogramming pick-and-place points is fast and easy, speeding up initial setup and task changes. FlexibilityThe ease of reconfiguration allows cobots to quickly adapt to different tasks and production requirements. Efficient Collaboration Cobots can operate in shared spaces with human workers safely and without the need for additional safety barriers. Extended Production TimeDynamic trajectory planning avoids collisions and keeps the production line running, preventing costly downtime. Less Reliance on Specialized ProgrammersThe visual programming interface simplifies the configuration and optimization process, reducing the need for highly specialized robot programmers. Efficiency ImprovementFailure recovery automation and automatic restart contribute to higher robot uptime and more consistent production. Cost SavingsReducing the time spent on motion planning and fault recovery results in significant savings in production and maintenance costs. Continuous OptimizationThe ability to adjust routes and movements in real-time allows for continuous optimization of production and processes, improving efficiency over time. Visual Programming Function The visual programming function applied to Mitsubishi Cobots is an innovative methodology that leverages graphical interfaces and visual elements instead of conventional programming code to configure and control these collaborative robots. Instead of having to write lines of code, users can interact directly with a graphical interface to define the tasks and movements that Mitsubishi Cobots should perform in various applications. In Mitsubishi Cobot visual programming, users can drag and drop programming elements, connect predefined function blocks, and adjust parameters using visual controls. This makes robot setup more intuitive and easier to understand, which in turn streamlines the programming process and allows for rapid adaptation to changing production requirements. This methodology has revolutionized the way Mitsubishi Cobots are implemented across various industries. Now, even individuals without programming experience can create tasks and movements for cobots, expanding their utility in a wide range of applications. Visual programming has also contributed to reducing integration and startup times, allowing companies to quickly leverage the benefits of collaborative automation in their operations. Technical Features of the Visual Programming Function Intuitive Graphical InterfaceVisual programming offers an easy-to-understand graphical interface that uses visual elements instead of traditional programming code. Direct ManipulationUsers can interact directly with objects and components in the graphical interface, such as moving and adjusting robotic arms and pickup points. Task SimplificationAllows configuration and adjustment of robot movements and actions through visual actions such as drag-and-drop, pinch, and zoom. Universal AccessIt doesn't require advanced programming knowledge, making it easier for more people to contribute to robot setup and reconfiguration. Examples of Use in Various Industries Automotive In automotive manufacturing, visual programming can be used to configure robots on the assembly line that perform assembly, welding, or painting tasks. ElectronicsIn the electronics industry, visual programming can be applied to program robotic arms that precisely assemble components onto printed circuit boards. Food and drinkIn the food industry, visual programming can be used to configure robots to perform tasks such as packaging products into boxes or handling ingredients on the production line. Pharmaceutical In pharmaceutical manufacturing, visual programming can be used to program robots to perform medical product packaging and labeling tasks. Logistics and WarehousingIn the logistics and warehousing sector, visual programming can be used to configure robots to perform tasks of handling and moving products in automated warehouses. The visual programming function offers a more accessible and faster way to configure robots for a variety of applications across various industries. Its ease of use and direct manipulation make it a powerful tool for optimizing processes and improving efficiency in different fields. ULTATEK stands out as a trusted integration partner for Mitsubishi Electric robots in Mexico, providing customized and cutting-edge automation solutions. With expertise in advanced automation, ULTATEK's team of engineers expertly tailors Mitsubishi Electric robots to meet the unique needs of each facility. From seamless integration to ongoing support, ULTATEK is dedicated to transforming automation visions into reality, ensuring efficient and optimized production. Contact a technical advisor.