Mitsubishi Electric in the UK has announced a collaboration with Extend Robotics to facilitate the integration of virtual reality (VR) technology into industrial robotic applications.
Extend Robotics, established in 2019, has developed the Advanced Mechanics Assistance System (AMAS), a middleware platform designed to enhance remote control of robots in diverse manufacturing environments. AMAS utilizes real-time volumetric telepresence and interactive digital twin technology to create a 3D representation of the workspace, allowing operators to perceive depth accurately during teleoperation. This interface enables seamless control of robots with minimal latency, even under low bandwidth conditions.
Accessible through widely available consumer VR hardware and distributed via platforms like META and HTC, AMAS leverages extended reality technology to empower non-experts to operate robots safely and efficiently from remote locations. The cost-effective cloud-connected hardware, compatible with Mitsubishi Electric’s MELFA range of industrial robots, reduces setup and training expenses associated with custom solutions.
The partnership between Mitsubishi Electric and Extend Robotics aims to expedite the training of existing employees and enhance the capability of robots to perform varied tasks in real-time, irrespective of the operator’s location.
Extend Robotics envisions multiple benefits of their technology, including remote error recovery, rapid reprogramming for different tasks, and the ability for technicians to handle non-routine activities across multiple sites remotely.
Azmat Hossain, Business Development Director at Extend Robotics, highlights the potential of the AMAS platform to expand the functionality of industrial robots, enabling operators to manage tasks efficiently from a distance. Barry Weller, Product Manager – Mechatronics at Mitsubishi Electric Automation Systems UK, underscores the significance of AMAS in enhancing flexibility and productivity in manufacturing operations while addressing the ongoing skills shortage in the industry.
The integration of AMAS into Mitsubishi Electric’s MELFA robot family signifies a step towards unlocking greater efficiency and versatility in industrial automation.
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