Mitsubishi Electric Automation Wins Gold in Control Engineering's 2026 Product of the Year Awards for FR-D800 VFD

Next-generation VFD is recognized for simplifying commissioning while improving efficiency, reliability, and sustainability across industrial applications.

Vernon Hills, Illinois - June 1, 2026

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. (Mitsubishi Electric Automation) announced that its FR-D800 Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) has been named the Gold winner in the Drives, Motion & Motor Control category in Control Engineering's 2026 Product of the Year awards program. The honor reflects the FR-D800's ability to address real-world challenges in industrial automation, including reducing setup time, lowering energy consumption, and improving system reliability.

Introduced to the Americas in July 2025, the FR-D800 is a next-generation compact drive designed for fast setup and dependable performance. Simplified wiring, USB parameterization without main power, and built-in networking streamline installation and commissioning. FR-D800 also delivers precise control for both induction and permanent magnet motors, improving process consistency while reducing energy use and operating costs. An eco-conscious design lowers power consumption and CO₂ emissions, while advanced diagnostics and predictive maintenance help minimize unplanned downtime.

"The FR-D800 was built to remove common barriers our customers face with drive implementation, whether it's reducing commissioning time, improving energy efficiency, or gaining better visibility into system health," said Tom Henfling, Product Manager for VFDs at Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. "This recognition validates our focus on delivering practical, user-driven innovation that makes a measurable difference on the plant floor."

The Control Engineering Product of the Year program is judged in part by industry professionals, including engineers and system integrators, making the award reflective of the solutions that resonate most with users in the field.

With its balance of performance, simplicity, and sustainability, the FR-D800 is well-suited for a broad range of applications, including fans, pumps, conveyors, and general industrial systems.

FR-D800 VFD Overview

More Information

- About Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc., Industrial Automation Division

Headquartered in Vernon Hills, Ill., Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc., Industrial Automation Division provides a comprehensive portfolio of industrial automation solutions. Offerings include programmable automation controllers (PAC), programmable logic controllers (PLC), human machine interfaces (HMI), variable frequency drives (VFD), servo amplifiers and motors, control software, computerized numerical controllers (CNC), motion controllers, robots and low-voltage power distribution products. Additional information about Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc., Industrial Automation Division is available at us.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/en/.

- About Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc.

Headquartered in Cypress, CA, Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc., a US affiliate company of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, supports US innovation initiatives and currently provides cooling and heating solutions, elevators and escalators, space and sensing systems, semiconductor devices, and industrial automation. Mitsubishi Electric contributes to a vibrant and sustainable society through continuous innovation and making "Changes for the Better." For additional information, visit us.mitsubishielectric.com/en/.

- Media Contact

Pam Summers
Marketing Communications Manager
Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc., Industrial Automation Division
Pam.Summers@meau.com
+1 (847) 478-2415

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