Sustainable Manufacturing: A Practical Approach to Responsible and Efficient Production

Manufacturing is naturally an area where sustainability is particularly important because it requires large amounts of resources. There are solutions and strategies to modify existing lines to operate more sustainably, from a quality, performance, and compatibility standpoint. In this blog, you will discover tips and resources, supported by case studies, to manufacture more sustainably.

Choosing the Best HMI/SCADA System – Selection Criteria and Guidelines

Considering a vendor for HMI/SCADA system solutions requires consideration of an extensive list of criteria. HMI/SCADA software varies in unique advantages and disadvantages. Read more to understand the selection guidelines and items to consider when choosing the best HMI/SCADA software for your application.

Industrial Network Selection Criteria

The selection of an industrial network is pivotal to creating the most competitive machine, production line, or process. Learn how to select the best network based on your criteria and expectations.

CLPA Monthly Roundup: January 2024

Find out about cutting-edge developments in industrial automation and network technology by checking out the CC-Link Partner Association’s (CLPA) latest articles.

CLPA Monthly Roundup: Bringing Motion Control to the Next Level

Find out about cutting-edge developments in industrial automation and network technology by checking out the CC-Link Partner Association’s (CLPA) latest articles.

When You Need a Clutch Performer, Rent a Robot

Most businesses go through production bursts and such circumstances may result in critical short-term labor shortages. Read more on how you can lease a robot to support during production bursts in every facet – from assembly lines to the warehouse.

FailSafe Servo Safety for All

It’s no secret that safety is paramount in automated systems. Fortunately, functional safety systems help mitigate or remove potential safety concerns. Learn more about FailSafe capabilities and how your organization can boost the functional safety and performance of automated lines.

Bridging the IT/OT Security Gap

The need for remote access to machines, lines, and equipment has increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic and as a result, the demand for cybersecurity technologies is heightened. Learn more about this risk and what you can do to ensure your operations are secure.

Dynamic Path Planning Helps Cobots Succeed at Hella Electronics

A pick-and-place station at Hella Electronics combines ASSISTA robotic arms from Mitsubishi Electric Automation with visual programming and dynamic path planning from Realtime Robotics, changing the company’s approach to factory automation.

Taking the Headaches Out of Using Robots

Southie Autonomy is speeding the adoption of robots with software that makes it easier to tell a robot what to do without complicated programming or extensive worker training. That means that more applications are finding it easier and less costly to use robots.

Three Things to Remember When Building a Data Center

When it comes to the industrial sector, the COVID pandemic has had a drastic impact in pushing the 'digital' revolution forward, from how we have business meetings to the way we learn to operate factories. This sudden digital shift, together with the latest developments in 5G communication is stimulating needs for more cloud-based and online solutions, which in-turn is motivating huge investments in IT infrastructure such as data centers.

How OEMs can digitally transform CNC machining

CNC machine builders and their customers are recognizing that investing in digital technology directly translates into operational excellence.

Time is Right for Time-Sensitive Networking

Providing faster, deterministic communications using TSN technology provides visibility into what’s going on in factories. It’s one of the solutions that will help manufacturers tackle rising costs, supply chain disruptions and a shortage of skilled labor.

How to Keep P.A.C.E. in CNC Machining

Creating a good part is table stakes. Winning and keeping customers today requires the kind of operational excellence that’s only possible with digital transformation. Discover what’s now, what’s new, and what’s next in CNC machining.

Better Together - ICONICS Partnering with Mitsubishi Electric Automation for Automate 2022

Automate 2022, “the largest and most inspiring showcase of automation in North America” is set for June 6 – 9 at the Huntington Place Convention Center in Detroit, Michigan. As two companies that are at the forefront of automation technology, ICONICS will be exhibiting alongside Mitsubishi Electric to showcase complimentary solutions and innovative technology.

Capitalize on Future Opportunities by Embracing Smart Automation Now

Whether you are a supplier, a manufacturer or a distributor, your world is changing at an unprecedented pace. See why companies are implementing smart automation technology to transform change into opportunities for increased performance, visibility, reliability, and flexibility.

4 Manufacturing Automation Lessons Learned During The COVID-19 Pandemic

In early 2020, the trajectory of life (and work) around the globe took an unexpected turn. At the time of this article's writing (March 2022), we look back on how the COVID-19 pandemic changed the manufacturing industry forever - especially as it comes to the topics of digital transformation, remote work, and supply chain disruptions. How does automation factor into the equation now, and into the future?

Don't Be Reactive, Be Proactive with Preventive and Predictive Maintenance

Reducing unexpected downtime is a must for manufacturers that want to succeed in today's ultra-competitive market. Reactive maintenance is no longer good enough - it costs time and money you can't afford to spend. This article highlights the benefits of preventive and predictive maintenance, more proactive and effective ways to keep equipment and your business in good health.

E-Waste: It’s Time to Take Notice

Electronic and electrical waste is increasing every year, thanks to insatiable demand for consumer and commercial devices and equipment. When e-waste is improperly disposed of, it can have a serious effect on the wellbeing of the planet and people around the world. Discover what’s driving the ever-rising volumes of e-waste, and some ways you can make a difference.

Training Tomorrow’s Manufacturing Workforce, Today

Thanks to digital transformation and the COVID pandemic, the manufacturing skills gap and labor shortage are all too real. The industry desperately needs workers who understand and can operate advanced automation technologies to help manufacturing organizations evolve successfully. Learn how Mitsubishi Electric is helping train tomorrow's leaders today through our Diamondworks! program.

When Just-in-Time Just Doesn’t Work

Manufacturers have been hit hard since the pandemic, with today's supply chain disruptions wreaking havoc on production and earnings. Smart organizations are beginning to ease off the industry's ultra-lean just-in-time approach to inventory management – and turning toward a more balanced position between risk and resilience. See how you can not only survive during the next big disruption, but thrive.

Revolutionize Your Crane Operations with Industry 4.0

If you’re not implementing Industry 4.0 technologies into your crane operations or material handling facilities, you are setting yourself up to be left behind. By embracing technologies such as AI, machine learning, cloud and edge computing, Internet of Things, and data analytics, you can transform your organization and workforce with improved productivity, lower costs, and much more.

Make Way For More Flexible, Responsive Packaging Robots

While robots have been used in packaging enterprises for some time, a new set of pressures is driving the search for greater agility and flexibility to stay competitive. Today’s robotic solutions are doing more than ever to address those needs. Discover how robots are changing the packaging industry and keeping companies afloat.

Three Efficiencies to Consider in Water and Wastewater VFD Applications

VFDs aren’t new in the water treatment industry, but today’s VFDs are offering a range of capabilities that drive energy efficiency, reduce equipment damage, and keep organizations competitive. Read this month’s feature article for three things that can help you get the most out of your VFDs for water and wastewater applications.

Modernize Water Operations to Minimize Costs

The municipal water sector has been plagued by leaks, lead pipes and lack of capital expenditure. The need for smarter, more resilient and more connected services and solutions has never been greater. Digital water solutions — including hardware, software and services — are the answer.

Reduce Risk of Downtime with a VFD That Eliminates Clogs

VFDs have long been used in wastewater treatment plants because they offer a range of efficiency and cost-saving benefits. But today’s VFDs can do even more. See how VFDs are leveraging advanced technology to keep treatment plant pumps clear of clogs and running at peak performance.

Mitsubishi Electric & ICONICS Move SCADA Forward

The latest SCADA solution from ICONICS and Mitsubishi Electric is now available. ICONICS Suite v10.97 represents a complete upgrade and replacement of MC Works64. It brings new levels of seamless SCADA-based connectivity, while opening a world of new opportunities for IoT, cloud computing, proactive maintenance management and more. Experts from Mitsubishi Electric discuss the features of the new suite and their benefits for customers and end users everywhere.

New Ways to Leverage Industrial Robots

One-by-one, the barriers to industrial robot adoption are being blown away thanks to a convergence of advanced technologies and the introduction of exciting new technologies and services. Read this month’s feature article to learn about the new industries, the new capabilities and the new possibilities for leveraging industrial robots.

Driving Energy Efficiency

Electric motors are used pervasively in industry for industrial pumps, electric fans, compressed air systems, conveyors, material handling and more. Most of these motors run at full speed or they’re off. There is no middle-ground, because their speed can’t be altered on their own. As a result, they consume more electricity than required to do the job. Variable frequency drives (VFDs) can mitigate unnecessary power consumption in many industrial and commercial applications by varying the speed (or frequency) of motors.

Leveraging Data from the Shop Floor to the Top Floor

Digital transformation in manufacturing is falling behind other industries. Data is already available, but companies haven’t put the technology in place to use that data effectively. McKinsey says an agile (or smart) manufacturing plant can improve operational performance by 30-50%. With so much to gain, why are so many manufacturers dragging their feet?

Integrate Control and Safety and Unlock Hidden Potential

When it comes to machine design, safety shouldn’t be an afterthought. It should not be something that is added once the production equipment is in place. Rather, comprehensive safety should be built into every component from the beginning to reduce risk upfront and avoid accidents and litigation later.

Real-time industrial Ethernet. It’s real. And it’s really r(E)volutionary.

Time-sensitive networking (TSN) has been in the news a lot lately. You can understand why if you’ve had to deal with all the different communication standards that co-exist in today’s automation systems.

The Key to Evolutionary IIoT? Backward and Forward Compatibility.

IIoT integration is a gradual process, so forward migration and compatibility between older and newer industrial automation components is paramount.

Compact AI Brings BIG Benefits to Manufacturers

Zero unplanned downtime is now a top priority for the majority of manufacturers. Learn how you can make maintenance smarter to drive down costs and protect margins.