Mitsubishi Electric Increases Investment in Realtime Robotics

For many years now, large and small manufacturers have relied on Mitsubishi Electric for factory automation devices. From PLCs to robots, Mitsubishi has a wide variety of automation devices for use in automating assembly and process automation projects. As of May 2019, Mitsubishi has invested in U.S.-based startup Realtime Robotics. For the last five years, Mitsubishi has been leveraging Realtime Robotics' proprietary motion planning technology for Mitsubishi's industrial robot product line. 

Recently, Mitsubishi announced it will be increasing its initial investment in Realtime Robotics. The increased investment shows that Mitsubishi is "all-in" when it comes to digitizing and optimizing technology.

 

Mitsubishi has increased its investment in Realtime Robotics to expand its use of Realtime’s motion planning technology. Image used courtesy of Mitsubishi Electric

 

What Is Motion Planning?

Also known as path planning, motion planning is a mathematical and geometrical problem to move an object most efficiently from one position to another. Commonly used in robotics, computer animation, and computer games, motion planning is finding its way into other automation devices such as PLCs and CNC machines. 

A common example is an automated guided vehicle (AGV) that needs to travel from one area of a factory to another. The AGV uses a motion planning algorithm to determine the path without running into walls or other permanent objects. This algorithm will need to be executed again if a forklift or person enters the path and won't move out of the way. 

Motion planning is also an important function of industrial robotics. The path from taught positions can often encounter obstacles, requiring the integrator to add additional positions to force the path in a specific way. 

Mitsubishi will incorporate Realtime Robotics’ motion planning technology in a 3D simulation to optimize factory automation. Image used courtesy of Realtime Robotics

 

Motion Planning in 3D Simulation

With Mitsubishi investing more into Realtime Robotics, it hopes to leverage Realtime Robotics’ software and control systems further to enhance Mitsubishi's digitization of its factory automation products. Mitsubishi plans to achieve this goal by integrating Realtime Robotics' motion planning technology into simulation software. By having accurate motion planning in a digital space, machine builders and in-house robot programmers can develop programs and assess accurate reach studies. Using this technology also allows manufacturers to create digital twins on their factory floor, which aids in troubleshooting or preventative maintenance. 

 

Motion Planning in Controllers and CNC Machines

Mitsubishi's second approach to reaching its digitization goals is to include motion planning technology in control system devices such as PLCs, servo drives, and CNC machines. These devices use motion to perform work in the manufacturing space, so by incorporating technology that calculates the most efficient path, manufacturers can save money and reduce energy consumption. 

 

With an increased stake in Realtime Robotics, Mitsubishi aims to boost its factory automation solutions. Image (modified) used courtesy of Realtime Robotics

 

Advancing Factory Automation

Mitsubishi isn’t the only supplier of factory automation devices, and some of its competitors have a very large market share. For this reason, Mitsubishi needs to stay competitive. Mitsubishi is positioning itself within the market as a driving force for digitizing and optimizing factory automation solutions. By investing in Realtime Robotics and utilizing its technology along with helping the company grow, Mitsubishi hopes to expand its digitizing and optimizing technologies into many other factory automation devices and create a “circular digital-engineering company.”