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 Automation, Inc.

Headquartered in Vernon Hills, Ill., Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. is a U.S. affiliate company of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. It offers a broad product portfolio including 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 Automation is available at us.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/en/.

- About Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

Guided by its corporate philosophy, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) places sustainability at the core of its operations and values stakeholder trust—encompassing society, customers, shareholders and employees. In pursuing profitability, capital efficiency and growth, Mitsubishi Electric works closely alongside customers to develop value-added solutions that address today's complex challenges while enhancing the company's sustainable corporate value. Founded in 1921, Mitsubishi Electric has over a century of experience in delivering reliable, high-quality products and solutions. With over 200 group companies and approximately 150,000 employees worldwide, the company is a recognized global leader in manufacturing, marketing and selling electrical and electronic equipment and systems across a broad range of sectors, including public utility systems, energy systems, defense and space systems, factory automation systems, automotive equipment, building systems, air conditioning systems & home products, digital innovations, and semiconductor & devices. Mitsubishi Electric recorded consolidated revenue of 5,521.7 billion yen (U.S.$ 36.8 billion*) in the fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2025. For more information, please visit www.MitsubishiElectric.com.

*JPY 150=USD 1, the approximate rate on the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market on March 31, 2025

- About Mitsubishi Electric Factory Automation Business Group

Offering a vast range of automation and processing technologies, including controllers, drive products, power distribution and control products, electrical discharge machines, laser processing machines, computerized numerical controllers, and industrial robots, Mitsubishi Electric helps bring higher productivity – and quality – to the factory floor. In addition, our extensive networks around the globe provide direct communication and comprehensive support to customers. The global slogan "Automating the World" shows the company's approach to leverage automation for the betterment of society, through the application of advanced technology, sharing know-how and supporting customers as a trusted partner. For more about the story behind "Automating the World" please visit: us.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/en/about-us/news-center/automating-the-world/

- About e-F@ctory

e-F@ctory is Mitsubishi Electric's integrated concept to build reliable and flexible manufacturing systems that enable users to achieve many of their high speed, information driven manufacturing aspirations. Through its partner solution activity, the e-F@ctory Alliance, and its work with open network associations such as The CC-Link Partners Association (CLPA), users can build comprehensive solutions based on a wide ranging "best in class" principle.
In summary, e-F@ctory and the e-F@ctory Alliance enable customers to achieve integrated manufacturing but still retain the ability to choose the most optimal suppliers and solutions.

*e-F@ctory, iQ Platform are trademarks of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation in Japan and other countries.
*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
*All other trademarks are acknowledged

- Media Contact

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

Return to News Center