Predictive maintenance in drives
Optimising Drive Maintenance With AI
AI offers much optimisation potential for the maintenance of drives. Using large data sets from production, patterns can be recognised on the basis of which precise predictions can be made about the equipment's condition. In this way, maintenance work can be carried out at exactly the right time.
Artificial intelligence (AI) enables companies to make targeted maintenance decisions for their servo drives. It uses accurate forecasting models, real-time data and operating trends to schedule maintenance at exactly the right time - before failures occur, but only when it is necessary.
Mitsubishi Electric has now implemented this concept in its new “Melservo MR-J5” servo controller series. The new servos use the company’s proprietary deep-learning AI “Maisart” (Mitsubishi Electric's AI creates the State-of-the-ART in Technology) to schedule maintenance work at the best possible point in time. For this purpose, integrated sensors within the devices provide an accurate, real-time overview of the condition of internal components as well as mechanical devices linked to the drives, such as ball screws, belts, and gears.
These capabilities are complemented by CC-Link IE TSN network technology which features gigabit bandwidth and Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) functionalities. This allows large amounts of data for time-critical control tasks as well as less transient AI analytics information to be transmitted promptly and without delays.
In addition to simplifying maintenance decisions, the “Melservo MR-J5” servos are also designed to maximise the productivity of drive applications. For example, they comprise a portfolio of extremely powerful motors with a minimised footprint that can reach a maximum speed of 6700 r/min.
In addition, the range includes compact amplifiers with a speed frequency response rate of 3.5 kHz and communication cycles of 31.25 μs. To conserve energy, the MR-J5D servo amplifier is also equipped with a regenerative unit.
By combining innovative maintenance, performance, and efficiency, Mitsubishi Electric's latest servo systems optimise key production processes. To achieve this, equipment availability is enhanced as condition based monitoring and predictive maintenance opportunities are realised.
