Mitsubishi Electric releases pre-engineered ARIA robotic workcell

Listen to this article

Mitsubishi’s ARIA standard (left) and machine tool tending base (right). | Source: Mitsubishi Electric Automation

Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. has announced the latest addition to its pre-engineered workcell product lineup, joining its LoadMate Plus. The company said its Automated Robotics Industrial Assistant, or ARIA, is designed to be a cost-effective system to address urgent challenges across industries. 

“ARIA fulfills an immediate need for flexible and cost-effective automation that addresses common industry problems such as labor shortages, productivity challenges, and the need to maintain quality standards,” stated David Simak, product manager (service) at Mitsubishi Electric. “ARIA is fully configurable and mobile, making it an ideal solution to tackle multiple applications within a given facility.” 

ARIA comes in two models

With a payload capacity of up to 13 kg (28.6 lb.) and a reach of 1,503 mm (59.1 in.), Mitsubishi Electric said ARIA is suitable for use as a standalone cell or implemented into a larger system. The company offers two base options for the system — standard and machine tool bases.

Mitsubishi designed ARIA’s Standard Base option for industrial applications applications where flexibility and mobility are a must. Its Machine Tool Base, on the other hand, works better for tending CNC mill, lathe, and Swiss applications.

The company said that both bases are compatible with Mitsubishi Electric collaborative, vertical/articulated, and SCARA robots. 

The ARIA package comes with an FX5 programmable logic controller (PLC), an external 120V outlet, casters with jackscrews, and a network switch with an external Ethernet port. It also comes with an operator station with a button panel, floor mounting brackets, and more. 

Mitsubishi also offers accessories including preprogrammed software packages, RT ToolBox3 software, MELFA Works for robot simulation, MELFA Safe Plus, Force Sensor, R86TB high-performance teach pendants, and two human-machine interface (HMI) options.

Submit your presentation idea now.

Mitsubishi expands industrial robot lineup

Last month, Mitsubishi Electric launched a new robot series for applications that require heavier payloads and longer reach. The company said its new RV-35/50/80 FR series of industrial robots are designed for handling large workpieces and heavy objects to expand automation opportunities for OEMs and end-users. 

Mitsubishi claimed that its industrial robots are equipped with class-leading speed and precision, allowing them to meet the demands of today’s manufacturing applications. The company designed this robot series to allow for an expanded work envelope, as well as increased payload and reach compared with its prior series.