Functional Safety

In a dynamic production environment, motion creates both value and risk. Mitsubishi Electric's drives and robotics solutions are engineered to manage this relationship with unparalleled intelligence. By integrating advanced safety functions directly into the core of our drives, servos, and robot controllers, we deliver systems that not only meet the highest functional safety standards, but also actively enhance operational efficiency.
This integrated approach moves beyond simple ‘stop’ commands. It unlocks new levels of productivity through smarter, more flexible safety, dramatically reducing downtime and lowering total lifecycle costs.

Our portfolio is designed for seamless integration, providing scalable safety from a single inverter to a fully synchronized, plant-wide robotics line.

With MELSERVO-J5, FR-E800 and MELFA robots, safety functions such as STO, SS1, SS2, SOS, SLS and SSM are embedded directly in the drive or robot controller — all orchestrated over CC-Link IE TSN without additional wiring.

…or searching for an effective approach for most demanding and scalable systems?

Where system size and requirements increase, Mitsubishi Electric’s MELSEC iQ-R family of modular controllers will work best. By using the CC-Link IE TSN network, you can control up to 120 different devices within a single system. And with full expansion of the iQ-R platform, you can connect up to 960 devices.

Compliant with safety sub-functions (IEC/EN 61800-5-2) such as STO (Safe Torque Off), SLS (Safely Limited Speed) and SLP (Safely Limited Position), contributing to safe operation for the operator

An integrated system transforms safety from a simple interlock into a tool for efficiency. Instead of a full-power-off event (Safe Torque Off, STO) for every intervention, advanced functions allow for smarter, faster operations.

• Smooth production restart (SS2/SOS): functions like Safe Stop 2 (SS2) and Safe Operating Stop (SOS) bring a motor to a controlled stop but keep power supplied to the servo or robot. This allows for an immediate, smooth production restart without the time lost to rebooting and re-homing the system.
• Maintenance while operating (SLS): the Safely Limited Speed (SLS) function monitors and limits machine speed to a safe level when an operator enters a protective zone. This allows for continuous operation at a reduced speed for setup or maintenance, completely eliminating the downtime of a complete stop.
• Sharing workspace between Humans and robots (SLP): the Safely Limited Position (SLP) enables operators to enter a monitored area while the robot continues to move outside the restricted zone. This allows tasks such as material loading, or adjustments to be done inside the workspace while the robot continues to move safely outside. 

These devices are all part of a single, unified Factory Automation Ecosystem. The CC-Link IE TSN network serves as the backbone, mixing high-speed general control and safety communication on the same Ethernet cable. All components are programmed within the MELSOFT GX Works3 engineering environment, which uses shared labels and certified Safety Function Blocks (Safety FBs) to streamline development and reduce programming errors.
This integrated platform provides centralized diagnostics via the MELSEC iQ-R controller, allowing for faster failure detection and significantly reduced troubleshooting time. The combined benefits of reduced wiring, simplified engineering, and maximized uptime deliver a clear and measurable business advantage.