Mitsubishi launches new series of collaborative robots

The MELFA ASSISTA Series collaborative robot.

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation recently announced the launch of its MELFA ASSISTA series of robots, which work collaboratively with humans. The robots include safety features, such as collision detection and strict compliance with the international safety and robotic standards ISO 10218-1 and ISO/TS15066.

The series will also introduce the intuitive engineering software — RT VisualBox — for quick and easy system deployment. Customers can use MELFA ASSISTA and RT VisualBox to gain more efficient production, reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO) of robotic manufacturing systems. It also meets the new needs for adequate physical distancing of workers at manufacturing sites.

Key features

1. Simplified application development using intuitive flow-chart programing. The RT VisualBox programming tool enables operating sequences to be created intuitively by linking block diagrams in a chain of events, including connection with other devices such as robot hands and cameras. Fast program-development and design time help to reduce system TCO.

2. Fast robot setup time via dedicated control panel. Robot movements can be taught and recorded quickly via a dedicated control panel on the robot arm, doing away with separate teaching boxes required for conventional industrial robots. The control panel also features a simple design with a minimum number of buttons for simplicity, enabling even inexperienced users without expert knowledge of robots to set up the system with ease.

3. Easy monitoring of robot status via LED light. A bright LED light that uses different colors to indicate the status of the robot is located conveniently on the robot arm for easy viewing, helping to lower TCO by eliminating the need for conventional monitoring devices.