Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. today announced the launch of its MX700N general-purpose large size robot.

The MX700N is Kawasaki’s top-of-the-line large size M Series robot with a maximum payload of 700 kg. The new model features the largest wrist torque (fifth axis) in its class on the market today. It creates more possibilities for gripper designs and robot postures to provide better handling of heavyweight workpieces. The new robot model significantly boosts productivity with an increased payload that enables it to move multiple workpieces in a single cycle and handle pallet layers.

This newest addition brings the total number of M Series models up to seven, including the MX350L, MX420L, MX500N and MX700N floor mounting robots, the MT400N shelf mounting robots, and MD400N and MD500N palletizing robots. The M Series of models are built to meet today’s growing need for heavy-duty assembling and material handling operations.

1. Major features
(1) Compact profile
The innovative design of the advanced link mechanism employed on the robot’s third axis has enabled Kawasaki to create a compact profile without the use of a counterbalance. This cutting-edge design reduces interference and increases the work envelope for easier application.

(2) High wrist torque
Kawasaki was able to develop a high wrist torque of 5,488 N-m by utilizing the same high power motors used in the major axes. The improved wrist torque allows for better handling of extremely heavy materials and large-size workpieces.

(3) Safe design
Equipped with vibration suppression controls on its highly rigid arm as well as collision detection software, the robot can manipulate large payloads smoothly and safely.

(4) Wide range to choose from
The M Series offers a large array of models tailored to specific applications. There are four floor mounting models (350 – 700 kg) and a shelf mounting model (400 kg) that have been designed to meet a wide range of needs for high payload assembling and handling applications. Two additional models (400 kg and 500 kg) are also available for palletizing applications.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has received an order for two sets of supercritical-pressure* coal-fired boiler (pressure-containing parts) and steam turbine/generator from Jaiprakash Power Ventures Limited (JPVL) of India. The equipment will be delivered for the power generation plant Units 1 and 2, at 660 megawatts (MW) each, to be constructed by JPVL in Nigrie, in Madhya Pradesh state, as part of a project aimed at easing electricity shortages associated with the region’s robust economic growth. Delivery of both sets is slated for the fiscal year ending March 2012.

The boiler order was coordinated by L&T MHI Boilers Private Limited (LMBPL), a boiler manufacturing joint venture between MHI and Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T). The steam turbine/generator (STG) order was coordinated by L&T, which outsources the set from L&T MHI Turbine Generators Private Limited (LMTGPL), a turbine manufacturing JV between MHI & L&T. L&T is a high-technology driven engineering and construction organization and one of the largest companies in India’s private sector. LMBPL and LMTGPL, which were established in April and December 2007, respectively, operate under technology licensing from MHI.

Specifically MHI will supply core boiler components to LMBPL, and LMBPL will undertake boiler assembly – the first boiler to be produced by the company – for delivery to JPVL. For the STG sets, MHI and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation will manufacture and supply core components to LMTGPL, and LMTGPL will undertake assembly and delivery of the sets to L&T.

JPVL, is a power project implementing agency of Jaypee Group, an infrastructure conglomerate with annual turnover of USD 1.3 billion, and has a formidable presence in engineering & construction along with interests in power, cement, hospitality, real estate, expressways and education. JPVL is in the process of setting up this project in addition to other thermal and hydro projects and is poised to be 5,000 MW power entity by 2012.

Supercritical-pressure coal-fired power generation uses higher steam temperatures and pressures than subcritical-pressure power generation, and is more fuel-efficient and friendlier to the environment. By reducing coal consumption relative to power output, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions can be reduced. However, supercritical type generation requires more sophisticated technology in equipment design to withstand the high temperature and pressure levels, and machining of high-strength component materials is more difficult. MHI has vast experience with these systems, having already delivered many units in Japan and abroad.

Thanks to the success of its economic deregulation policy introduced during the 1990’s, India achieved over 9% economic growth for three straight years from fiscal 2005 through 2007. The country continues its strong growth despite the global economic crisis, maintaining a high growth rate of 6.7% in fiscal 2008. Along with economic development, India’s gap between electricity supply and demand has become increasingly serious. To cope with this energy supply issue, many large-scale coal-fired power plant construction projects are under way in various regions of the country.

MHI has been responding to India’s energy situation through its aforementioned local JVs and through aggressive marketing activities in the country together with L&T. On the momentum gained through receipt of the latest order, going forward MHI will further strengthen its activities to develop the market for highly efficient supercritical-pressure steam turbines and boilers in India, where many projects to construct thermal power generation plants are planned. In this way, the company looks to contribute to the global effort to combat environmental issues.

Source: http://www.mhi.co.jp/en/news/story/1001121330.html

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