Image of Mitsubishi and Fraunhofer IPT unveil smart visualisation in manufacturing

In an increasingly competitive manufacturing environment, businesses need flexibility, improved productivity, and the capability to make gains in efficiency and reductions in downtime. Smart visualisation provides augmented reality models for manufacturing transformation.

Mitsubishi Electric is guiding users on how these requirements can be met with a focus on connected production systems, intelligent control systems, Edge Computing solutions and smart services.

e-F@CTORY A REALITY

Using its e-F@ctory concept, Mitsubishi Electric provides a practical structure for delivering these solutions, enabling the process of digital transformation to happen at a manufacturing level. Key factory automation technologies include CNC and PLCs applications aligned with partners for the challenges of today’s machinery markets.

Typical examples of human and machine connected production systems show how machine builders can enable end users to gain major business benefits. Increased connectivity is helping to deliver improvements in production optimisation, monitoring, remote services and predictive maintenance.

Smart visualisation enhances machine interaction

Mitsubishi e-Factory uses smart devices such as tablets and Smart glasses as key drivers in the digital transformation of manufacturing. It gives a glimpse into the future of human orientated monitoring and training. Developed as a pilot project with the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT, tablets and glasses are used as a user interfaces for machine monitoring.

Operators can view up-to-date machine and production information, such as progress, remaining time, machine status or overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Raw data is continually processed, visualised and automatically updated within the smart device, and should unexpected production interruptions or errors occur, the operator can be automatically provided with pop-up information to rectify the problem.

This advanced visualisation technology supports predictive maintenance, but can also aid with training for operators or maintenance staff. Using connected technology, operators can interact with machines more efficiently and learn how to use them more quickly. Users can choose from a menu of topics, including education, service/support, live data and predictive maintenance values. The menu items provide a mix of moving animations, guidance videos and augmented reality content.