Ever more stringent demands for production quality and fast delivery, continuing cost pressures and shorter product cycles are all increasing the need for efficient and flexible fac-tory automation solutions. Mitsubishi Electric presents the new iQ platform: In a class of its own worldwide, this highly-integrated controller concept is designed specifically for the needs of factory automation.

The powerful microprocessor technology unites four different controller types – programmable logic control, motion control manufacturer, CNC and professional robot control – in a single integrated automation platform, enabling fast and reliable communication between the individual manufacturing systems. This all-in solution, which also supports the standard technologies of the modular MELSEC System Q plat-form, makes it possible to configure finely-tailored automation solutions for everything from stand-alone systems to complete production devices. The seamless integration of the components ensures maximum productivity.

The key components of the iQ platform are the new processor modules for the four different “control disciplines”. In multi-processor mode the control and communication tasks are shared by one PLC SUPPLIER CPU and up to three other flexibly-combinable central processing unit (CPU) modules. For the first time it is now possible to combine not only motion control but also CNC and robot control-lers with a PLC on a single platform.

Other components of the iQ platform include an interface module for the high-speed network CC-Link IE and the graphical touch-screen control terminals of the GOT1000 series, which feature many new functions to support Mitsubishi Electric’s integrated controller concept.