Mitsubishi MaiLab: A Conversation
MaiLab is the brand-new AI software from Mitsubishi Electric. Eager to learn more about it, Nigel Dean, Marketing Manager at LC Automation met with Patrick Dion-Fehily, Mitsubishi's Digitalisation Specialist to get a quick run-through.
So, What is MaiLab?
MaiLab is a data science tool that analyses and diagnoses data on your production site. It's part of Maistart, which stands for Mitsubishi Electric AI State-of-the-Art Technology, and it basically collects data from within your factory site and analyses it depending on what you would like to achieve from the output.
AI can help you reach your production goals, but first you need to understand what you want to achieve with the data, and that's where we fit in. We can help start this process and assess what our manufacturing customers are looking for.
So, It's Designed To Help Ordinary People Who Are Not Data Scientists To Get The Information They Need. Why Is That Important?
MaiLab gives lots of benefits, the first is that the software itself is very easy to use. It's very intuitive, so users only need a very short training phase. You don't need to be a data scientist to program it, which is something we're really trying to push.
The factory automation engineer doesn't need to reach out to a third-party expert to programme it. It is pretty much straight up and running.
Ok, What Else?
A shortage of staff is one of the biggest issues in factory automation today, so you will often see skilled workers who have to complete some of the mundane, boring jobs. However, using AI technology, MaiLab can help to bridge that gap, freeing the skilled employee to do the skilled job their skills are suited to.
Finally, probably the biggest outcome from MaiLab is when companies are moving towards industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing sites. Getting that data is essential and that's what many manufacturing businesses are currently trying to achieve. But companies need to understand what they are going to analyse, and what they are going to do with that data. That's where MaiLab and AI can really make a difference.
So, It's Taking The Massive Amount of Data That Is Available and Distilling It Down To Be Understandable And Mean Something To The Customer?
Yes, it can do that visually using graphs, and then outputting the information back into the system to help optimise production.
Are There Specific Industries MaiLab Would Suit Better Than Others?
It's not really about specific industries but actually what you want to achieve. In terms of the actual product scope, there are multiple things MaiLab is able to assess, whether it's detecting errors in the product quality and predicting that quality error, cause analysis, estimation, and then finally adjusting device parameters. That can fit in most industries.
It's understanding where and what the issue is to begin with, and that's where we can analyse and install this software to assist.
It Can Actually Predict The Amount of Wasted Products?
Yes, it is able to predict the number of bad products more efficiently and optimise your production so you're getting more good products out - reducing waste. But there are other factors it can help with. For example, if a machine press tool usually has a two-month use time, MaiLab can predict exactly when it will need to be replaced. That makes sure you don't replace the tool too late, and risk poor quality products, or too early and waste money.
That's Fantastic! How Does It Fit In With The Rest Of The Mitsubishi
Electric Portfolio?
For a long time, Mitsubishi has been known for their robust and secure hardware. But over the last two to three years, they have also been focusing on building software to support that. They now have a complete manufacturer solution that includes hardware and software, covering all areas of factory production from hardware to analytics.
What Else Is Coming?
Other Mitsubishi innovations that are now available include Gemini, their digital twin, simulation software and Iconics Genesis 64, which is the brand new data acquisition software. Now UK Manufacturing companies can combine all this software with Mitsubishi's legendary hardware, it's a whole new factory solution, which is brilliant.
Looking for more information? We can help with that...
If you want to know more about Mitsubishi MaiLab AI Software, or have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch on 01254 685900 and our Internal Sales Advisors or Technical Support Engineers will be happy to chat!
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