The LTS with its 'smart' transport trolleys, which Mitsubishi Electric developed together with e-F@ctory Alliance partner APT Automation, is aimed specifically at secondary packaging and end-of-line packaging applications in the food and beverage industry. Initially, the concept envisaged drive technology based on linear motors, as is the case with solutions from market competitors. Over the course of last year, however, Mitsubishi Electric decided to move away from this approach and instead opt for a solution with rotary servomotors, as these are more cost-efficient to manufacture.

According to Hartmut Pütz, President Factory Automation EMEA, Mitsubishi Electric's LTS differentiates itself from the competition not only in terms of drive technology: "In contrast to other solutions, our control intelligence is located on the 'Smart Carriages'. This means that each carriage independently finds the optimum route to its destination. Another special feature is that each carriage has 'power on board' and can therefore supply the components on it, such as sensors or actuators. This would also make it possible, for example, to process the transported goods during the journey."

The LTS is also equipped with a safety module with Safe Torque Off (STO) and Safely Limited Acceleration (SLA), which means that the system can be operated without a safety barrier. Laser scanners detect the approach and slow the Smart Carriages down to a safe speed - but only in the area where someone is present. All parts of the system that are not affected continue to operate at the same speed. The entire system is also configured and not programmed. This not only simplifies commissioning but also expansion should the need arise for longer routes or additional trolleys. According to Pütz, it is now even possible to change the trolleys from horizontal to vertical tracks on production lines using a kind of 'elevator', which opens up further optimization potential in the room.

Mitsubishi Electric gives the maximum speed as 4 m/s with an acceleration/deceleration of 3 g and a positioning accuracy of ± 0.01 mm. The maximum load capacity of the carriages is currently 5 kg. Pütz also points out the extremely small possible distance of less than 1 mm between the trolleys on a track and the system utilization that can be achieved as a result. Communication with the transport trolley takes place via WLAN, whereby production data, for example, can also be exchanged in addition to the movement commands. Another important aspect of the LTS transport system is the ability to synchronize robots with the Smart Carriages, for example to remove objects from the carriage without stopping.

A market launch of the LTS is planned for mid-2018.

Entry into collaborative robotics

The payload of the 'Melfa Cobot' is between 5 and 6 kg. Mitsubishi Electric specifies a reach of between 800 and 1000 mm.

© Mitsubishi Electric

Speaking of robotics: In addition to the LTS, a "prototype" can also be seen at the Mitsubishi Electric stand - the new 'Melfa Cobot', which will celebrate its official premiere at the iREX trade fair in Tokyo (November 29 to December 2, 2017). This is the first collaborative robot from Mitsubishi Electric, with which the Japanese company is now also entering the field of human-robot collaboration. According to Hartmut Pütz, one of the special features of the new HRC robot is that its accuracy and rigidity are at the same level as those of the familiar standard industrial robots.