Mitsubishi Electric Expands its Low-Cost Robot Series with the MELFA RV-12CRL

 Mitsubishi Electric Automation announced the launch of a new robot for their low-cost robot series: the MELFA RV-12CRL vertically articulated robot boasting the largest reach in their series.
News November 12, 2024 by Joshua Tidwell

The MELFA RV-12CRL from Mitsubishi Electric is a low-cost vertical articulated robot for the North American market. This addition to its low-cost robot series encompasses cutting-edge technology optimized for a range of industrial applications. With a 1,504 mm reach and a 12 kg payload capacity, the RV-12CRL efficiently addresses diverse operational needs, making it ideal for tasks such as machine tending, case packing, and pick-and-place operations.


The RV-12CRL is designed to handle a diverse range of end effectors. Image used courtesy of Mitsubishi Electronics

What’s So Special About Mitsubishi’s New Robot?

Overall, the RV-12CRL is very similar to any other industrial robot. The RV-12CRL is slim and compact, features a 1,504 mm reach, and carries a 12 kg payload capacity before adding the user’s end effector. The robot can also be purchased with a variety of functions and options such as a tracking function, a force sensor, an optional network base card to support major network communication protocols, a 3D vision sensor, or MELFA Smart Plus that adds enhanced intelligent features such as predictive maintenance and calibration assistance.


The RV-12CRL will have a high wrist axis operation speed, making the robot ideal for machine tending applications. Image used courtesy of Mitsubishi Electronics

However, a few standout features of this Robot are worth noting. The MELFA RV-CR series has eliminated the need for battery backup. The RV-CR series uses the new MELSERVO-J5 servo motor to eliminate the need for a battery backup on the robot's internal encoder, reducing long-term maintenance costs and the risk of losing origin coordinate life due to failure to replace batteries.

The RV-12CRL uses internal cables that include 30 pins of signal cabling and air hoses for end-of-arm tooling, giving customers flexibility in tooling design and installation. The robot also comes with an industrial IP65 rating, allowing it to be installed in tough industrial environments with dust and oil mists.

The robot will also feature Mitsubishi’s CR800 Controller, which supports enhanced safety monitoring functionality that complies with international standards and simplifies risk assessments. The controller offers an abundance of I/O that includes 32 inputs and 32 outputs, as well as four outputs and eight inputs for redundant safety I/O.

With the launch of the MELFA RV-12CRL in the North American Market, Mitsubishi will extend its reach and provide its customers with a unique, low-cost robot with a large working capacity. It features built-in safety, reduced downtime, and maintenance-free battery-less servo motors. With flexible end-of-arm-tooling options, it is suitable for various industrial applications ranging from industrial machine tending applications to simple pick-and-place applications.