Next generation predictive maintenance tools have the edge
16 April 2018
At Drives & Controls 2018 Mitsubishi Electric presented a cloud-based predictive maintenance solution supported by the AI platform within IBM Watson and implemented with voice control and AR features.
This innovation shows how interconnected, intelligent systems can maximise responsiveness, productivity and plant control while reducing costs and downtime.
Automation is empowering companies to control and optimise their industrial processes to unprecedented levels. By analysing the vast amount of data generated continuously by industrial machines, it is possible to identify the initial signs of machine failure and conduct effective predictive maintenance before the issues impact the entire plant.
Accessing online AI functionality
Mitsubishi Electric’s approach to proactive maintenance is based on machine usage and wear characteristics. At the event, a working example demonstrated how it can monitor the status of a robot with an AI analysis platform, supported by IBM Watson Analytics in the Cloud. This software combines predictive maintenance models, digital simulation, prediction and extrapolation of trends to give easy access to accurate advice on status and the right action to take.
Augmented visualisation is made reality
Machine data analytics is useless if not associated with an appropriate communication system that informs the human operator about the condition of the robot. Therefore, an AR interface has been developed to ensure a useful conversation can be had between humans and robots.
A robot conversation
The operator can initiate contact and easily visualise the predictive maintenance analytics and monitor the robot while walking past using a tablet computer. Users can even receive maintenance information or run hands-free operations on the machine via voice commands. The robot can also report the status of a task verbally.
Smart glasses
Not long ago this was part of a vision of factory maintenance in the future, but once the AR platform is enabled, smart glasses can be used to manage and conduct maintenance works. Through them, human operators can receive information, such as CAD drawings superimposed on the robot, and receive guidance on issues or tasks to perform, e.g. via maintenance manuals or specific instructions.
Other smart factory-of-the-future style solutions at the show
Visitors to Drives & Controls 2018 also saw Mitsubishi Electric’s Smart Condition Monitoring system for remote detection of anomalous patterns of operation and detailed diagnostics. An advanced Linear Transfer System demonstrated how smart autonomous carriages can convey workpieces through flexible advanced assembly processes. Plus, an autonomous factory vehicle complete with an integrated robot arm developed with AGV manufacturer Mirage was present.
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