Multiple industries are considering widening robotics adoption, but small and midsize enterprises have significant cost concerns. Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. this week released its RV-8CRL industrial robot, which is claimed offers a high-quality solution at a lower price point, while not sacrificing on performance.

The Vernon Hills, Ill.-based company said the RV-8CRL’s smaller base size, expanded effective working area, and compatibility with safety intelligence components make it suitable for a variety of applications, including pick and place, inspection, and general assembly.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation is U.S. affiliate company of Mitsubishi Electric Corp. and has more than 75 years of experience in the automation industry. Its product portfolio includes programmable automation controllers (PAC), programmable logic controllers (PLC), human machine interfaces (HMI), variable frequency drives (VFD), servo amplifiers and motors, control software, computerized numerical controllers (CNC), motion controllers, robots, and low-voltage power distribution products. Mitsubishi Electric U.S. group companies have 38 locations throughout North America with approximately 4,000 employees.

Last year, Mitsubishi Electric invested in Realtime Robotics Inc., which is developing motion-planning technology, and it launched the MELFA ASSISTA collaborative robot in May 2020.

RV-8CRL intended for durability and easy usage

Mitsubishi said it designed RV-8CRL for OEMs and end users with a focus on easy implementation, robust safety options, and a reduction in downtime and maintenance.

The six-axis robot arm’s internal wiring and piping are intended for easy installation, while its IP65 rating makes it “dust tight” and protected against water projected from a nozzle, widening application suitability, the company said.

RV-8CRL also features auxiliary components for safety, such as MELFA Safe Plus. This component, using additional sensors, will reduce speed and limit the range of robots up to a full stop when people or objects are detected in close proximity to the robot.

In addition, RV-8CRL’s batteryless internal encoders remove the need for battery backup, allowing it to maintain the same settings without the battery.

“We are excited to introduce RV-8CRL to the industrial robot marketplace,” stated Scott Strache, product manager at Mitsubishi Electric Automation. “It features quality, performance, and compatibility wrapped into a package that reduces maintenance and operating costs, all while backed by a three-year, on-site warranty.”