Introduction
In today's rapidly evolving industrial landscape, fostering innovation, collaboration, and practical engineering skills among students has become a key objective of higher education. Engineering competitions play a vital role in bridging the gap between academic learning and industrial application by promoting creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and hands-on technical expertise. Such initiatives help students strengthen their understanding of engineering fundamentals while developing the competencies required to address real-world industrial challenges.
Recognizing the importance of nurturing future technology leaders, Mitsubishi Electric India Pvt. Ltd. organizes AutomationX-Innovation Challenge 2027 formally known as a prestigious National Level Factory Automation Competition for engineering students, including undergraduate and postgraduate participants. The competition provides a unique platform for students to showcase their innovation, technical excellence, and application-oriented engineering capabilities through the design and development of advanced automation solutions.
Following the successful completion of the previous edition in February 2026 at Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University, Pune, Maharashtra, Mitsubishi Electric is proud to launch the AutomationX-Innovation Challenge 2027 at CVR College of Engineering, Hyderabad, Telangana. The competition encourages participants to leverage emerging technologies and industrial automation solutions to address modern manufacturing challenges while contributing to the advancement of Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing.
For more than 100 years, manufacturers all over the world have relied on Mitsubishi Electric for advanced automation equipment. Mitsubishi Electric helps in bringing higher productivity – and quality – to the factory floor. Today, its automation products are widely used in all walks of life, such as PLC, inverters, servos, CNC, low-voltage electric appliances, industrial robots and other products which have performed well on every corner of Indian industry and have greatly contributed to India’s economic development. Up to now, Mitsubishi Electric India, through CSR activity, has collaborated with various institutes by contributing world class FA training equipment, training to faculty and students, seminar and workshop.
Mission
The competition aims to strengthen students' engineering application skills, innovation capability, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities while promoting industry-academia collaboration. It provides a platform for aspiring engineers to Collaborate, Innovate, and Excel in Industrial Automation and Industry 4.0 technologies, contributing to the development of future-ready talent capable of creating AI-enabled, intelligent, sustainable, and connected Smart Factory solutions for a greener industrial future.
Participants are required to leverage Mitsubishi Electric's automation portfolio, including PLCs, Servo Systems, Inverters, HMIs, Robotics, SCADA, Motion Control, and Industrial Networks, to design and implement intelligent manufacturing or energy management applications based on the e-F@ctory and e&eco-F@ctory concepts.
The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Industrial IoT (IIoT), Edge Computing, and Smart Automation is transforming conventional manufacturing into intelligent, connected, and sustainable production environments. Aligned with competition theme of "Advancing Smart Factories Through Digital Minds," this initiative encourages students to develop innovative solutions that integrate advanced Factory Automation technologies to enhance productivity, operational efficiency, energy optimization, and sustainability.
Theme
Advancing Smart Factories Through Digital Minds
Advancing Smart Factories Through Digital Minds represents the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Industrial IoT (IIoT), Advanced Automation, Data Analytics, Robotics, and Smart Energy Management to create intelligent, connected, and sustainable manufacturing ecosystems. Smart Factories empower industries to leverage real-time data, intelligent decision-making, and innovative engineering solutions to enhance productivity, quality, operational efficiency, and sustainability.
Digital Minds represents a new generation of engineers and innovators who utilize digital technologies, automation, AI, and data-driven decision-making to create intelligent solutions for industrial and societal challenges. It promotes innovation, technical excellence, and practical problem-solving skills essential for building the Smart Factories of the future.
The theme encourages participants to design and develop innovative manufacturing and energy management applications using Mitsubishi Electric's Factory Automation technologies, including PLCs, HMIs, Servo Systems, Inverters, Robotics, CNC, and Industrial Networks. By adopting Mitsubishi Electric's e-F@ctory and e&eco-F@ctory concepts, participants can demonstrate how digital innovation and intelligent automation enable smarter operations, optimized resource utilization, predictive maintenance, and sustainable industrial growth.
Through this theme, Mitsubishi Electric aims to inspire future engineers to develop AI-enabled, intelligent, and connected solutions that accelerate the transformation of conventional industries into next-generation Smart Factories, contributing to a more efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced future.
Coordinating Partner
The AutomationX-Innovation Challenge 2027 is being organized in association with CVR College of Engineering (CVRCE), Hyderabad, Telangana, one of India's leading engineering institutions. Established in 2001, CVRCE is an autonomous institution affiliated with JNTUH and accredited by NAAC with an 'A' Grade.
Known for its strong focus on academic excellence, innovation, and industry-oriented learning, CVRCE provides students with state-of-the-art infrastructure, industry collaborations, research opportunities, technical centers of excellence, internships, and skill development programs. The institution is committed to nurturing future-ready engineers through a holistic learning environment that promotes technical competency, innovation, leadership, and professional growth.
Through its partnership with Mitsubishi Electric India, CVRCE aims to provide a platform for aspiring engineers to showcase their creativity, technical expertise, and innovative solutions in the field of Industrial Automation and Smart Manufacturing.
Mitsubishi Electric FA Component Set
Mitsubishi Electric FA Component Set will be given to top 35 teams on Returnable Basis till the end of competition.
This will be used to automate their model.
| Sr. No | Model | FA Hardware | Description | Quantity |
| 1 | FX5U-32MT/ES | PLC | FX5U PLC with 16 inputs, 16 outputs, built in Ethernet, Analog I/O, RS485 Modbus, 2 AI, 1 AO, 4 high speed output, and High-speed Inputs, Built-in CC-Link IE Field Basic, Ethernet, Modbus | 1 |
| 2 | MXF100-16-N32 | PAC | MXF100 With 16 Input, 16 Outputs, 16-axes Motion control, Built-in CC-Link IE TSN, Ethernet | As required |
| 3 | GS2107-WTBD-N | HMI | 7" GS Type HMI, Touch Screen, Ethernet, RS232, etc. | 1 |
| 4 | FR-E820-0015-4-60 / FR-E820-0015EPA-60 |
VFD | Inverter, 1Φ 230 VAC input, 3Φ 200 VAC output, 200 W (0.5 HP), 2.5 Amps, Built-in RS485-Modbus (Induction Motor is not included) | As required |
| 5 | MR-JET-20G | Servo System | Network based servo, 200W, with Servo motor: HG-KNS-23, and necessary cables | As required |
| 6 | MCBs | LVS | Set of Two MCBs : 6 Amp and 16 Amp | 1 set |
| 7 | Genesis 64 | SCADA | Demo licences for educational purpose | As required |
| 8 | Gemini | Gemini | Licence for Educational purpose | As required |
Note:
- If any of the selected teams requires additional I/O Modules for system development, then Team can purchase the same from Mitsubishi Electric authorized Channel Partners or manage it on their own.
- This additional FA Hardware must be declared in proposal document.
Special Support for CNC Based projects:
| Sr. No | Model | FA Hardware | Description | Quantity |
| 1 | M80 | CNC System | Controllers, Keyboards & I/Os etc | As required |
| 2 | MDS-EJ & HG | CNC Motion | Amplifier & Motor | As required |
| 3 | Software | CNC IOT | NC Designer/NC Communication Tool/MT Connect etc | As required |
Note:
- For CNC Base applications or projects Mitsubishi Electric India will support exclusive CNC Hardware. Additional components that are required for system development beyond what has been specified above, the respective teams may procure them independently as needed.
- Awareness training sessions and dedicated mentor will be facilitated.