Can many of the world's challenges be addressed through the collaboration of manufacturing and cyberspace?Dr. Koji Yasui

Part 3: Taking those first steps towards smartification.

──Mitsubishi Electric has begun offering new solutions such as 3D printers and digital twin compatible computerized numerical controllers (CNCs). What is Mitsubishi Electric doing to respond to change?

Mitsubishi Electric identified the movement toward smart technology early on. We launched the 'e-F@ctory' digital manufacturing concept more than a decade before Germany's Industry 4.0 framework. Furthermore, we have been closely following the latest developments in industry, government, and academia, from smart grids and 3D printers, to the fourth industrial revolution boom and, more recently, quantum computing and communications. As mentioned earlier, Mitsubishi Electric is also involved in national projects relating to the implementation of science and technology within our society, and is continuously working with customers to help them meet their digitalization challenges.

The basic approach to smartification is to improve the physical factory. This is one of Japan's strengths. Physical aspects, such as machining centers and CNC systems, are critical for competitiveness, so by ensuring these devices are continuously improved and using latest technologies Mitsubishi Electric is contributing to its customers’ competitiveness. On top of that, we work on providing the solutions needed to support digitalization, such as linking with and using cyberspace to maximize the utilization of the devices in the physical space.

When Mitsubishi Electric launched the e-F@ctory concept 20 years ago, many of the technologies had not been fully realized and there were still some challenges, especially in terms of cost. However, our company has consistently and confidently presented a future vision of a world based on the use of digital technologies, and now we can see that major trend is now becoming a reality. Mitsubishi Electric has provided a number of products - each has its key strength and contributes to helping solve real-world challenges. Additionally, through our participation in programs like SIP, we have strengthened our cooperation with universities and research institutions, and this is enabling us to provide more advanced solutions to our customers.

We are all coping with a rapidly changing and growing market, so it is essential to gather information and market trends. However, collecting that kind of information alone can be difficult. We therefore hope that companies will be able to utilize the insights we have gathered.

Moreover, you may find issues that need to be urgently addressed. Many of the technologies that can solve these problems are already available but there is a need to commercialize and provide solutions even quicker and more efficiently than before. We hope that industry players will consider using Mitsubishi Electric's manufacturing equipment and other solutions to assist them in their efforts.

──Finally, please give us a message to the customers and partners who are collaborating with us in creating the future.

In order to respond to growing market demands it is essential to utilize an “ecosystem” that delivers the necessary technologies needed by manufacturing industries. Such an ecosystem should be independent yet be founded on mutual coexistence and co-prosperity, while ensuring a win-win for all. In particular, the creation of a sustainable and collaborative society will be an important topic in the future, and we will need to find ways to include as many people as possible in this ecosystem. Through my own participation in the SIP Program, I have become involved in the development of several ecosystem bases, including one at Kyushu University that targets the semiconductor industry. I hope that our customers will also consider leveraging such ecosystems like these.

As we emerge after the pandemic, the adoption of digitalization is accelerating in response to social changes. I may be repeating myself, but we at Mitsubishi Electric have long been preparing for this future as we strive to help our customers to maintain and expand their manufacturing successes. I recommend companies to take this chance to implement the latest solutions and accelerate their own progress towards digitalization and smartification.