Mitsubishi Electric Shows AI for Machine Tools

Mitsubishi Electric presented AI solutions for labor shortages among skilled workers and the transfer of technical skills at JIMTOF2026, the 33rd Japan International Machine Tool Fair, held at Tokyo Big Sight from October 26 to 31, 2026.

In a demonstration, a visitor spoke the text they wanted engraved. An AI machining task planner recognized the request, designed the process, and assigned work to a machine tool and a humanoid. It conveyed instructions in natural language to CNC physical AI and a robot control system, which converted them into commands. The humanoid received the material, passed it through another robot to the machine tool, then handed the engraved name tag to the visitor. Mitsubishi Electric said the concept could use humanoids for infrequent, irregular tasks such as setup and cleaning, which often still rely on people.

Mitsubishi Electric is pursuing an “Ever-next Strategy” to add technology and functions each year to its installed GX-F series fiber laser cutting machines. At JIMTOF2026, it introduced GX-Auto Pilot, planned for fiscal 2026. The feature uses AI Assist 2.0, which assesses conditions from the sound and light during processing. When it detects a defect, it identifies whether dirt on the protective glass or nozzle wear is the cause, then automatically replaces the part using a dedicated retrofit attachment. Previously, a person replaced parts after a defect was detected. Mitsubishi Electric says the feature will enable continuous operation.

The company also previewed “Integrated Simulation,” an evolution of its NC Virtual Simulator. The current simulator accurately reproduces CNC movements from a program under the same machining conditions. Integrated Simulation aims to reproduce physical phenomena such as heat, vibration, and deformation as well as machining, with links to general simulation and analysis tools. Mitsubishi Electric also envisages feeding data from actual machining back into simulation tools to continuously train and improve AI. Demonstrations included AI assistance for operating the simulation on screen, and a function that suggests causes and remedies for alarms on an NC screen and displays instructions on smart glasses.

Mitsubishi Electric presented AI solutions for labor shortages among skilled workers and the transfer of technical skills at JIMTOF2026, the 33rd Japan International Machine Tool Fair, held at Tokyo Big Sight from October 26 to 31, 2026.

In a demonstration, a visitor spoke the text they wanted engraved. An AI machining task planner recognized the request, designed the process, and assigned work to a machine tool and a humanoid. It conveyed instructions in natural language to CNC physical AI and a robot control system, which converted them into commands. The humanoid received the material, passed it through another robot to the machine tool, then handed the engraved name tag to the visitor. Mitsubishi Electric said the concept could use humanoids for infrequent, irregular tasks such as setup and cleaning, which often still rely on people.

Mitsubishi Electric is pursuing an “Ever-next Strategy” to add technology and functions each year to its installed GX-F series fiber laser cutting machines. At JIMTOF2026, it introduced GX-Auto Pilot, planned for fiscal 2026. The feature uses AI Assist 2.0, which assesses conditions from the sound and light during processing. When it detects a defect, it identifies whether dirt on the protective glass or nozzle wear is the cause, then automatically replaces the part using a dedicated retrofit attachment. Previously, a person replaced parts after a defect was detected. Mitsubishi Electric says the feature will enable continuous operation.

The company also previewed “Integrated Simulation,” an evolution of its NC Virtual Simulator. The current simulator accurately reproduces CNC movements from a program under the same machining conditions. Integrated Simulation aims to reproduce physical phenomena such as heat, vibration, and deformation as well as machining, with links to general simulation and analysis tools. Mitsubishi Electric also envisages feeding data from actual machining back into simulation tools to continuously train and improve AI. Demonstrations included AI assistance for operating the simulation on screen, and a function that suggests causes and remedies for alarms on an NC screen and displays instructions on smart glasses.