In context
In late 2023, manufacturers were grappling with labor shortages, productivity pressures, and quality demands, prompting increased adoption of digital twins and 3D simulation to optimize engineering chains. This joint venture between a major automation supplier and a specialized simulation software firm underscored the industry's shift toward integrated digital manufacturing solutions.
What was reported
Mitsubishi Electric and Visual Components, headquartered in Espoo, Finland, formed a joint venture named ME Industrial Simulation Software Corporation, with Mitsubishi Electric holding a 70% stake and Visual Components 30%. The company began operations on November 1, 2023, focusing on developing and selling 3D simulators for manufacturing applications.
The partnership aims to enhance Mitsubishi Electric's digital twin platform, particularly its MELSOFT Gemini 3D simulator, which enables virtual production lines and facilities to reduce design workloads and total cost of ownership. Visual Components' software is compatible with Mitsubishi Electric's factory automation products, offering standard connections for PLCs and robots, plus interfaces for expanding simulator functionality.
The JV's development base in Finland will leverage Visual Components' expertise to verify device control using 3D simulators, improve design efficiency through control-logic generation, and boost productivity using manufacturing data. Customized solutions from Visual Components' sales engineers will help Mitsubishi Electric's FA Systems business address diverse customer needs, especially in Japan and other Asian markets.
“For companies aiming to optimise the entire product lifecycle, 3D simulation is essential.”
Why it mattered
This joint venture highlighted the growing importance of 3D simulation and digital twins in industrial automation, as companies seek to address labor shortages and improve efficiency. By combining control technology with advanced simulation, the collaboration aimed to accelerate digital manufacturing adoption and strengthen competitiveness, signaling a trend toward partnerships between automation vendors and software specialists.
Source: Robotics & Automation News (roboticsandautomationnews.com) · Published 2023-12-17 · “Mitsubishi Electric and Visual Components form joint venture for 3D simulators”