Addressing persistent labor shortages, productivity challenges, and quality control issues across industries, Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. has launched a powerful new automation tool - the Automated Robotics Industrial Assistant (ARIA). This pre-engineered, cost-effective robotic workcell solution promises exceptional flexibility to tackle a wide range of applications and production needs.

"ARIA fulfills an immediate need for flexible and cost-effective automation that addresses common industry problems such as labor shortages, productivity challenges, and the need to maintain quality standards," stated David Simak, product manager at Mitsubishi Electric. "ARIA is fully configurable and mobile, making it an ideal solution to tackle multiple applications within a given facility."

Versatile Configurations for Diverse Needs 

Available in two base configurations, ARIA can be tailored to suit distinctly different operational environments. The standard base model prioritizes mobility and adaptability for general industrial use cases. Meanwhile, the machine tool base variant is optimized for robotic tending of CNC mills, lathes, and Swiss-type machine tools.

Regardless of the selected base, ARIA systems integrate seamlessly with Mitsubishi Electric's full line of collaborative, articulated arm, and SCARA robots. With a generous 13 kg payload capacity and 1.5-meter reach radius, the workcell offers impressive capabilities suitable for standalone operation or integration into larger automation systems.

Both versions come pre-engineered with a PLC controller, accessory power outlet, mobility casters, networking capabilities, operator controls, and mounting hardware. Mitsubishi provides an array of optional software and hardware enhancements as well, including force sensing, simulation tools, safety modules, and HMI pendants.

"ARIA is fully configurable and mobile, making it an ideal solution to tackle multiple applications within a given facility," Simak added.

Expanding Robotics Portfolio for Next-Gen Manufacturing 

The ARIA workcell is the latest addition to Mitsubishi Electric's growing portfolio of robotic automation solutions geared towards next-generation manufacturing. Last month, the company launched its new RV-35/50/80 FR series of industrial robots designed to enable more complex and heavy-duty applications.

The FR series robots boast expanded work envelopes along with increased payload capacities up to 80 kg and extended reach up to 3.5 meters. Mitsubishi touts the series' impressive speed, precision and dexterity as class-leading - ideal for manufacturing tasks requiring the handling of large, heavy workpieces.

With ARIA and the high-performance FR series, Mitsubishi Electric continues expanding its industrial automation lineup to meet evolving manufacturing demands. Flexible, self-contained robotic workcells like ARIA provide accessible automation to address persistent operational challenges. While the brawny FR robots unlock new high-capacity applications.

As manufacturers globally grapple with compounding pressures around labor, productivity, quality and competitiveness, innovative robotic solutions have become indispensable tools to drive efficiency and resilience. Mitsubishi Electric is staking its claim as a pioneering provider for this pivotal shift towards the automated factory of the future.