Mitsubishi Electric and Visual Components to develop 3D simulators

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced in November that it will partner with Visual Components, headquartered in Espoo, Finland, in a joint venture company, named ME Industrial Simulation Software Corporation, to develop and sell 3D simulators for manufacturing applications. Mitsubishi Electric and Visual Components hold 70% and 30% stakes respectively in the company, which began operating on 1 November.

Through the new company, Mitsubishi Electric plans to enhance its digital twin platform for circular digital-engineering business solutions. Visual Components' software is compatible with Mitsubishi Electric's factory-automation (FA) products due to standard functions for connecting with PLCs and robots as well as interfaces for expanding the functionality of 3D simulators. By combining Mitsubishi Electric's control technology and manufacturing expertise with Visual Components' technology, the JV is expected to further strengthen the functionality and services of Mitsubishi Electric's MELSOFT Gemini 3D simulator, which the company says has been used to overcome labour shortages, improve productivity and upgrade the quality of manufacturing.

"For companies aiming to optimise the entire product lifecycle, 3D simulation is essential," said Mikko Urho, CEO of Visual Components. "This joint venture allows us to maximise synergy by combining Visual Components' excellent 3D simulation software with Mitsubishi Electric's manufacturing expertise. Through this synergy, we will accelerate the realisation of digital manufacturing and contribute to enhancing our customers' competitiveness."

"Our FA Systems business is focused on overcoming diverse manufacturing challenges in today's business environment. Our FA products support the aggregation and analysis of data from devices and equipment in manufacturing sites to enhance solutions for the engineering chains of customers," said Toshie Takeuchi, Group President of Factory Automation Systems Group at Mitsubishi Electric. "Our joint venture with Visual Components will combine the strengths of our two companies to support wide-ranging manufacturing sites."

Image: The ME Industrial Simulation Software Team including members from both Visual Components and Mitsubishi Electric. Credit: Visual Components.