A team of Indian students has clinched the Gold Cup at the Mitsubishi Electric Cup for developing an artificial intelligence-based platform that simplifies industrial programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming. The team, known as Nexus AI, created a system that enables users to describe machine control logic in natural language, which is then automatically converted into Structured Text code, a modern alternative to traditional ladder logic programming. The students spent months developing a robust AI platform capable of generating executable control programs for Mitsubishi Electric IQ-F (FX5U) PLCs.
The innovation was put to the test with a fully operational Automated Dip Dyeing Machine, powered by AI-generated control code produced by the Nexus AI platform and executed using Mitsubishi Electric industrial automation hardware. At the final round held at the MIT Pune campus, the system underwent thorough evaluation by an eight-member jury consisting of automation programmers, ladder-logic specialists, and Mitsubishi Electric R&D engineers. The jury scrutinized the platform’s architecture, logic integrity, safety framework, and scalability.
Senior leadership, including Atsushi Takase, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Electric India, engaged extensively with the team, showing interest in potential future collaboration. Team Nexus AI from Sona College of Technology in Tamil Nadu will now represent Mitsubishi Electric India at the Global Mitsubishi Electric Factory Automation (MECA) Competition in September 2026. Selected from nearly 300 national entries, the team underwent multiple stages of technical evaluation supported by Mitsubishi Electric mentors and trainers, ultimately winning the Gold Cup and a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000.
“The research orientation of our faculty is fueling innovation built on strong fundamentals. This is the third national industry competition won by Sona student teams in recent months, after Capgemini and Google Gemini, reflecting the focused mentoring ecosystem at the institution,” said Chocko Valliappa, Vice Chairman of Sona College of Technology.
