Modular automation training platform

Founded in 1988, MECHATRONICS International is a British manufacturer of engineering training systems used by colleges, universities, industrial training centres and organisations worldwide, covering technologies including fluid power (hydraulics and pneumatics), mechanical power transmission, and industrial automation and control systems.

Built using genuine industrial components, the training platforms mirror real industrial environments, enabling students to gain hands-on experience with modern engineering and automation technologies. 

Supplied via channel partner BPX, the solution centres on Mitsubishi Electric’s MELSEC iQ-F FX5S PLCs and GT2107 HMI, supported by the iQ Works2 software suite. The CMS (Compact Mechatronics System) replicates a small-scale automated production line, helping engineering students develop practical skills in PLC programming, networking, diagnostics and production data monitoring.

The production line training system incorporates communication between multiple PLC stations using Ethernet-based simple PLC communication. Upgrading from the earlier Mitsubishi Electric FX3S controllers to the FX5S platform has allowed MECHATRONICS International to implement a modern networked control architecture that reflects the communication structures used in modern industrial automation systems.

Seven FX5S 30 I/O (MRDS) PLCs are integrated with a GT2107WTSD HMI, providing visualisation of system status, fault diagnostics, cycle times and basic OEE-style production data capture. The inclusion of Industry 4.0-ready monitoring capabilities demonstrates how operational data can be gathered and analysed within a connected environment.

Barry James, managing director at MECHATRONICS International, commented: “We’ve worked with Mitsubishi Electric for many years, so building this latest training platform around the FX5S was an obvious choice. Moving to simple PLC communication over Ethernet has made a significant difference from a development perspective.

“Parameter-based configuration removes the need for extensive custom code, which reduces programming complexity for both us and the students, while Ethernet connectivity has cut wiring time compared to traditional hardwired PLC-to-PLC connections.

“The modular design of the CMS has always been central to its use in training environments. Each station can operate independently for focused teaching or be combined into a complete automated production line within a compact footprint.

“That flexibility allows colleges to simulate a realistic, networked factory environment without exceeding tight educational budgets. Mitsubishi Electric’s ongoing technical support has helped ensure the system delivers both industrial realism and ease of use, which is important when preparing learners and technicians for modern automation and engineering roles.” 

Stephen Thornton, regional account manager at Mitsubishi Electric Automation Systems Division UK, added: “One of the biggest challenges facing UK manufacturing is ensuring the next generation of engineers are trained on technologies that reflect what they will encounter in industry.

“By supporting MECHATRONICS International with the FX5S platform and integrated HMI solutions, we’re helping to create an environment that mirrors real-world factory automation.

“We’ve worked closely with MECHATRONICS for more than 25 years and in that time, we’ve built a relationship based on trust, consistency and technical collaboration. That longevity means we understand their requirements in detail, and they know they can rely on us as a go-to automation partner when developing new training platforms.

“The result is a solution that genuinely bridges the gap between classroom learning and the factory floor. By combining modern PLC networking, visualisation and data monitoring capabilities, students gain hands-on experience with the same architectures and technologies they’ll encounter in contemporary production environments.” 

gb.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/