Teaching robots and guiding humans technology at Med-Tech Innovation

Famous for its efficient and reliable small articulated arm and SCARA robots, Mitsubishi Electric is now offering the ultimate in programming flexibility; a hand-held Direct Teach Pendant.

It enables the operator to physically teach a standard, or clean room robot movements and action sequences without a complex software interface. The RV2 Robot Direct Teach function enables operators to quickly and easily vary the capacity, volumes and types of products being produced or tested by a robot, making it ideal for both medical and laboratory applications.

Moving on from reliable robots to more consistent, error free humans, Mitsubishi Electric will also be demonstrating its latest Guided Operator Solutions at the show. The system is dedicated to preventing mistakes in manual parts picking and assembly tasks and is enabling device manufacturers to actively improve their quality processes whilst also reducing operating costs.

To control picking sequences the system uses a combination of indicator lights, touch sensors, light curtains and door mechanisms that can be applied to parts bins. High resolution HMI screens are used to display assembly instructions and provide operator feedback, while PLC control allows for a scalable solution depending on the application’s complexity.

The use of a PLC also allows for easy integration into existing automation and IT platforms, providing vital data for quality improvement and management systems. For the operator it makes each new assembly task far easier to complete quickly and accurately.

Both applications are designed to improve production processes and assembly tasks for the medical, pharmaceutical and life science industries. Visitors to the show will be able to see an interactive display on the Mitsubishi Electric stand (54a) for people to have a go at teaching a robot, and see Guided Operator Solutions components in action.