Automation blog
Top 4 challenges EV manufacturers face in their journey to achieving a sustainable future
17. kesäkuuta 2024 Electric vehicles (EVs) have transitioned from a niche market to a major industry force in recent years. As of 2023, electric cars account for nearly one in five vehicles sold, with sales increasing by 3.5 million units—a 35% jump from the previous year, according to the IEA's Global EV Outlook 2024. This surge is expected to continue, with projections indicating that sales in emerging markets will exceed 1 million units in 2024, marking a 40% increase from 2023. Governments worldwide are pushing to reduce CO2 emissions, which is speeding up this shift to electric vehicles. So, what does this mean for automotive manufacturers? First, it means they need to pivot to designing and producing predominantly electric fleets, a move many have already started. Second, it means building new production lines and mastering new manufacturing processes, which can be quite a challenge. This is where a trusted automation partner comes in. Partnering with an expert in automation can help manage the complexities of this industry-wide transition. With a broad technology portfolio, global support, and deep automotive expertise, OMRON is ready to guide manufacturers on their electrified journey. This blog post will explore the top challenges in the EV manufacturing sector and how partnering with OMRON can provide effective solutions:
Intelligent automation as an agent of change
31. toukokuuta 2024 The manufacturing industry is responsible for around a quarter of global GHG emissions¹, which puts it on a par with transport as the second biggest contributor to carbon emissions. This means that reducing the manufacturing sector’s carbon footprint will play a vital role in mitigating our impact on climate change.It’s time for the manufacturing industry to stop being a source of problems and start living up to its potential by being one of the sources of solutions, addressing climate change and utilising automation as the agent of change in the process.This reflects our founder’s belief that, as a business, we have a responsibility to give back to the society in which we operate. Over 90 years ago, OMRON was born out of the vision of its founder, Kazuma Tateishi, of using technology to create a better world.Tateishi’s ethos of “improving lives and contributing to a better society” has never been more relevant than in the present day, given the climate challenges we face as a society. But how can manufacturing make a positive difference?
Even if it ain’t broke, you still oughta fix it
04. huhtikuuta 2024 Making FMCG manufacturing more sustainable through intelligent energy management
Come on, ladies! Dare to explore exciting career opportunities in automation
01. maaliskuuta 2024 Maryam Dolatabadi and Asunción Pastrana Costa are experienced automation experts at OMRON. They appeal to girls and women: “Be brave, you are urgently needed in the industry!”
Industrial automation and robotics: still a man’s world?
07. helmikuuta 2024 What is it like being a woman in automation today? Three women from OMRON Europe talk about their experiences in the world of industrial automation, the challenges they face, and the tools and support that have helped them to thrive.When Wendy Tonks first started her career in engineering in the UK just over 20 years ago, one of the first ground rules that she had to lay down was that she wasn’t a tea lady.
Embracing change: Breaking down the process of flexible manufacturing
30. tammikuuta 2024 The fast-moving consumer goods market is experiencing a transformative shift, driven by factors such as consumer empowerment, customization demands, health-conscious preferences, veganism, ethical concerns, and sustainability. We expect that it will undergo more changes in the next decade than it has in the previous 50 years. This necessitates the adaptation of production and supply chains to meet emerging trends. The future of fast-moving consumer goods factories will likely involve smaller, smarter facilities with autonomous movement of goods and interconnected systems.Machines, whether standalone or interconnected, need to be more flexible than ever before to ensure the timely supply of appropriate materials and packaging. Production has to be more agile, increasingly producing retail-ready items with a high mix-low volume approach with zero recalls. The question is how to realize this with minimal cost and fast ROI?
What’s in store for automation in 2024? Six predictions from OMRON Europe
13. joulukuuta 2023 The succession of shocks over the last few years has heralded a new era of heightened geopolitical and economic risk. This is prompting manufacturers to build resilience and flexibility into business models and rethink global supply chains and relationships. At the same time, pressure is mounting to incorporate ESG principles into operational decision making. AI, data science, digital twins and sensing, monitoring and vision technology will all be essential to developing automation and control solutions that can help the manufacturing industry adapt to this new reality. In this context, I would like to share the top six trends that will impact and shape industrial automation in 2024 and beyond.
EV transition made easy: Top three challenges to overcome in automotive manufacturing
23. marraskuuta 2023 The transition to electric vehicles is a challenging path for automotive manufacturers. Long-established companies that have traditionally produced vehicles with combustion engines are now venturing into an entirely new realm of vehicle platforms. Let us investigate the top challenges facing the electric vehicle manufacturing industry and explore the latest innovative solutions on the horizon.
A meeting of minds: IT/OT convergence in industrial automation
22. syyskuuta 2023 Future-focused manufacturers are edging closer to their ideals of flexible, efficient and sustainable production by exploring digital transformation in earnest. However, as interest in digitalisation builds, it is becoming apparent that a huge gulf exists between the worlds of OT (Operational Technology) and IT (Information Technology). And this divide needs to be bridged if today’s visions for factories of the future are to become tomorrow’s reality.But before we look at why a convergence of IT and OT is necessary and how this can be achieved, let’s take a step back to basics and clear up some misunderstandings around the terminology.
Empowering the workforce: OMRON's approach to skills development in European manufacturing
06. syyskuuta 2023 Delving into OMRON's unwavering commitment to nurturing skills that empower the next generation, while the industry embarks on a transformative journey – a journey that unlocks the full potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) while boldly moving towards the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR).In the halls of academia, the boardrooms of visionary business leaders, and the chambers of forward-thinking politicians, a fervent debate evokes. It revolves around the profound shift from the Fourth Industrial Revolution, 4IR, or Industry 4.0 as it is also known, to Industry 5.0 will change the world in which we live.Historically the Industrial Revolution was the First Machine Age, and electricity the Second, then electronics was the Third, and the internet as platform the Fourth Machine Age. We are now entering the Fifth Machine Age, which highlights harmonious human-machine collaboration and the contributions of the industry to society. This is the moment to not only adapt but to lead, to pioneer, and to create a future where innovation knows no bounds. Klaus Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum has observed that: “We stand on the brink of a technological revolution that will fundamentally alter the way we live, work, and relate to one another. In its scale, scope, and complexity, the transformation will be unlike anything humankind has experienced before. Our world is undergoing a transformative shift. Global production is evolving, driven by the automation of traditional industrial practices through smart technology, M2M communication, and IoT integration. This synergy fuels heightened automation, seamless communication, and intelligent machines that autonomously analyse and diagnose challenges.The rise of AI sparks debates, hinting at deeper transformations within our societal tapestry. As we navigate this dynamic landscape, we are poised to embrace innovation and reshape our future.
Top 4 Ways to Tackle Labour Shortage with Automation
06. syyskuuta 2023 Automation is a pathway to supporting manual workforce and not replacing them.Labour shortages in manufacturing are a growing cause of concern worldwide. While financial incentives and targeted workforce qualifications have been used as countermeasures, more innovative solutions are needed. Many manufacturers choose to automate repetitive activities but to what extent is it supporting the existing taskforce or is it taking away their jobs altogether?In 2023, Reuters disclosed an alarming trend: a record-high 53% of companies grapple with hiring difficulties. Staff shortages, soaring energy costs, combined with the pursuit of climate neutrality create new challenges. In the quest for sustainable manufacturing, innovative strategies to address labour gaps and enhance existing talent are the beacon of progress.Let us go over the top four ways to addressing the labour shortage and supporting the current workforce with automation:
From red lights to robots: OMRON celebrates 90 years of innovation
06. kesäkuuta 2023 This year on Founder’s Day, OMRON looked back on 90 years of pushing technological boundaries, and looks forward to a future of automation innovation framed by sustainability, digitalisation and human-machine collaboration.May the 10th be with you… Every year, 10th May is probably the most important day in OMRON’s calendar. On this day, 30,000 OMRON employees around the world celebrate the life and legacy of the company’s founder, Kazuma Tateishi. They do this by recommitting to Tateishi’s vision of using technology to create a better world and by giving back to society - often by participating in volunteer and charity projects in their communities. Innovation Milestones OMRON's journey of innovation began in 1933 with the development of a high-precision timer for X-ray photography. This marked the company's first contribution to addressing societal needs. In 1960, OMRON unveiled the world's first non-contact proximity switch, revolutionizing advanced mass production capabilities. Since then, OMRON has continued to introduce groundbreaking technologies, including the first automatic traffic signal, unmanned train station system, wearable blood pressure controller, ultra-high-speed fuzzy logical controller, and automatic cancer cell diagnostic equipment.
Unika makes Landmark decision to bring quality levels to new heights
25. elokuuta 2021 OMRON TM cobots with integrated vision system eliminate human error, increase production efficiency.
Flexible, safe and easy collaborative welding solution from Guidetti Technology
20. elokuuta 2021 Guidetti Technology SRL has integrated OMRON collaborative robots (cobots) into its ‘EasyArc’ welding solution. This is used in collaborative applications on small batches of various types of metal carpentry
How labour shortages are affecting the logistics sector and why automation is the solution
11. elokuuta 2021 By Stuart Coulton, Regional Manager, OMRON UK North
Professional help for personal care: Putting a cobot to work
09. heinäkuuta 2021 Of the many processes involved in finalising a consumer product, the final step can often be the most intricate. For this OMRON customer, the last step in production is to fasten the cover holding screw, closing up the unit—in this case, an electric shaver. Traditionally, the full process was completed manually, with an electric screwdriver in a multi-step process. This repetitive task is an ideal candidate for the help of an OMRON cobot.
Cobot boosts production by 15% at Topcustom
23. kesäkuuta 2021 Topcustom srl, an Italian producer of custom-made bathroom sinks, has recently transformed part of its operations by deploying a collaborative robot (cobot) from OMRON. The new cobot is being used to automate all the finishing operations of Topcustom’s products made from Ocritech. This is a light material that is easy to work, guarantees perfect hygiene and has excellent resistance to UV rays.
Cisel ensures traceability, safety and quality by testing printed circuit boards with a cobot
17. kesäkuuta 2021 Cisel is an Italian company that specialises in the design and production of flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs) for the automotive, civil engineering and manufacturing industries. The company recently chose an OMRON TM5 collaborative robot (cobot) to automate the electrical testing of boards used in the power steering system of a leading automotive manufacturer.
UV-C Robot helps businesses win the fight against Covid
16. kesäkuuta 2021 As the UK’s customer-facing businesses plan their reopening strategies, keeping consumers and staff safe from Covid will be a key priority. In a bid to prevent future outbreaks at high footfall, everyday environments like supermarkets, bars and gyms, we have teamed up with UV Systems UK to produce an autonomous robotic sterilisation system that guarantees to kill the virus without damage or harm to surrounding goods.
Cobot ensures precise assembly of magnets for LITMAT’s drain plugs
03. kesäkuuta 2021 Collaborative robots (cobots) are being used more and more extensively, in a range of different industries and across a wide variety of applications. They can make a significant difference to the efficiency and productivity of the production cycle. One company that is enjoying such benefits is LITMAT SpA.
Mobile robot automates food distribution in a pilot at senior center
16. huhtikuuta 2021
Mobile robot transports waste for Kymenlaakso Central Hospital in Finland
07. huhtikuuta 2021 Waste transportation and logistics planning require a lot of work in hospital environments. Waste shipment is also a physical task that places demands on both time and human resources.
Choosing a robot for a smart factory
02. huhtikuuta 2021 Anyone planning to move towards a smart factory needs to choose carefully when considering possible robotic solutions. Should it be an industrial robot or a collaborative robot (cobot)? Autonomous mobile robot (AMR) technology or a fixed selective compliance assembly robot arm (SCARA)? The answer will depend on your specific needs.
Cobot Dashboard: How to visualize data for OEE improvement the smart way
16. maaliskuuta 2021 The factory of the future is not only based on a well-orchestrated interaction of the most diverse machines, robots, sensors, and AI technologies. Entrepreneurs and decision-makers are also increasingly faced with the challenge of reconciling the vast amounts of data collected by the various production lines and making the best possible use of it to support their decisions. Not only does a comprehensive data strategy need to be developed. There are also technologies required that process and present the data in such a way that issues are immediately identified before major problems occur.
Artificial Intelligence: hope, hype and FOMO
22. syyskuuta 2022 Ten years ago when we received enquiries about AI-based projects, they were mainly driven by hype or FOMO. When I asked why they wanted to get into AI, the answer, more often than not, was either ‘because my boss asked me to’, ‘because we have a lot of data’ or ‘because it seems like an interesting area’. None of these were particularly solid reasons and certainly didn’t justify the hefty investment that AI applications would have required at that time.That is changing, and hope, rather than hype or ‘FOMO’, is the driver. Customers don’t ask whether we can help them with AI anymore. They ask us whether we can help with predictive maintenance, quality control or process optimisation. They come to us with a problem that they want us to help solve. The adoption of AI is no longer a motive or an aim in itself. Instead, AI has become an ‘enabler’.Whatever the industry - whether food & drink, pharmaceutical, electronics or automotive - the end goal is the same: producing high quality, defect-free products at a lower cost, using less energy and less labour. And AI can be one of a suite of solutions for achieving those objectives.
Automation adapts to sustainable packaging
16. elokuuta 2022 Have you ever ordered a small item online, and then felt incensed when it arrived in an oversized box packed out with bubble wrap, air-filled cushions or paper inserts?
Building the Factory of the Future together
16. kesäkuuta 2022 As one of the largest business units at OMRON, we aim to further develop the Den Bosch plant to serve the needs in the EMEA region.
Lights out? Still unlikely with Industry 4.0
21. huhtikuuta 2022 For many manufacturers, the prospect of a fully automated, human-free factory feels light years away. When, they ask, is the 4th Industrial revolution coming to us and what can we expect? In this blog, we look at the realities of (fully-/semi-)automated manufacturing, what robots can and can’t do, and why the human touch is still (mostly) irreplaceable.
Traditional factories have data needs too
18. maaliskuuta 2022 The right tools and tech can enable advanced predictive maintenance, bottleneck prevention and optimization. Find out how digitalization is bridging the gap between legacy systems and Industry 4.0.
Productivity Peaks: Moving Maintenance From Preventive to Predictive
17. joulukuuta 2021 Maintenance is a vital key to a thriving business, especially in manufacturing where 24/7 plant equipment uptime is often expected as standard. As any established enterprise knows, keeping production lines and systems running optimally requires more than a skilled maintenance team. It also involves careful planning, tight scheduling, constant vigilance, a willingness to change out unworn parts, and a readiness to respond to unplanned events. At least, it used to.
Developing digital capability: how any factory can be smart
16. syyskuuta 2021 Thankfully, the headline-grabbing ‘Industry 4.0’ isn’t reserved exclusively for the high-tech giants that span the globe, nor is the term ‘smart factory’ applied only to brand-new installations. In truth, any traditional factory can in principle take steps on the smart factory journey, by applying modularity to the existing installation.
Monitor machine stability with data science
16. heinäkuuta 2021 Do you have a machine with no problems? You’re probably already collecting production and machine data, but not using it. With a quick scan of your data, it is possible to judge the usability and quality of the data and start using the value inside the data. This will help you define the first or next step towards a data enabled organization.
Cobot Dashboard: How to visualize data for OEE improvement the smart way
16. maaliskuuta 2021 The factory of the future is not only based on a well-orchestrated interaction of the most diverse machines, robots, sensors, and AI technologies. Entrepreneurs and decision-makers are also increasingly faced with the challenge of reconciling the vast amounts of data collected by the various production lines and making the best possible use of it to support their decisions. Not only does a comprehensive data strategy need to be developed. There are also technologies required that process and present the data in such a way that issues are immediately identified before major problems occur.
Developing smart and flexible production: Norwegian university sets up new manufacturing lab packed with robots
10. helmikuuta 2021 The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has developed a new educational laboratory in Ålesund to facilitate learning and extend the implementation of automation and robotics amongst manufacturers in the region. The lab is packed with a wide range of OMRON solutions – both hardware and software.
Data paradise factory floor: get more out of your machine and production information
25. syyskuuta 2020 Strategic Data Science is an essential pillar of every Industry 4.0 scenario. A four-step data mining approach based on CRISP-DM supports successful projects.
Get the full value from your factory floor data with data sciences
19. kesäkuuta 2020 Industry 4.0 and IIoT have been buzz words for several years and these concepts are actually implemented on more and more machines. A huge amount of data becomes available: machine data, data of the production process and data regarding the manufactured product. Big Data has entered the factory floor.
Five challenges in High-Mix, Low-Volume (HMLV) packaging and palletizing processes
21. joulukuuta 2021 The new product has just left the factory, in a shelf-ready package in the specified mixed ratio to meet customer needs. The packaging has actually been handled by another company: a co-packer. Co-packing can be found in all Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) markets, but especially in the higher-priced product segments such as personal care or confectionery, to name a few examples. It is a fast-growing activity to satisfy the consumer demand for more variety.
Productivity Peaks: Moving Maintenance From Preventive to Predictive
17. joulukuuta 2021 Maintenance is a vital key to a thriving business, especially in manufacturing where 24/7 plant equipment uptime is often expected as standard. As any established enterprise knows, keeping production lines and systems running optimally requires more than a skilled maintenance team. It also involves careful planning, tight scheduling, constant vigilance, a willingness to change out unworn parts, and a readiness to respond to unplanned events. At least, it used to.
Finished seals in less than 10 seconds: Robotics Integrated Controller ensures harmonious control
24. marraskuuta 2021 Trelleborg Livorno has updated a robotic cell for the finishing of polyurethane gaskets for the sustainable wind energy market. The cornerstone of the solution is OMRON's Robotics Integrated Controller that ensures integration and synchronization of all automation components, including robots, logic, motion, safety and user interface.
Plastics in consumer goods manufacturing: Seven automation tips for greener packaging
29. huhtikuuta 2021 Hygiene or environmental protection? Preferably both! Companies in the consumer goods industry are increasingly asking themselves what alternatives they have to plastic packaging and how they can act greener, more efficiently, and yet still safely. Innovative packaging lines, robotics and artificial intelligence offer support.
Cobot Dashboard: How to visualize data for OEE improvement the smart way
16. maaliskuuta 2021 The factory of the future is not only based on a well-orchestrated interaction of the most diverse machines, robots, sensors, and AI technologies. Entrepreneurs and decision-makers are also increasingly faced with the challenge of reconciling the vast amounts of data collected by the various production lines and making the best possible use of it to support their decisions. Not only does a comprehensive data strategy need to be developed. There are also technologies required that process and present the data in such a way that issues are immediately identified before major problems occur.
Four top tips for automation projects in the food and beverage industry
22. helmikuuta 2021 A challenge accelerated by the Coronavirus pandemic has seen producers having to juggle between longer term range proliferation centred on consumer demands, and range (SKU’s) reduction caused by retailers and consumers rapidly changing buying habits. Companies that break new ground by using innovative technologies not only gain agility but also reduce scrap, contamination risk, waste and losses.
Factory automation: four tips for the future of food & beverage manufacturing
16. heinäkuuta 2020 The coronavirus pandemic has posed major challenges to organisations of all types and sizes. In the food and commodity industry, companies have faced significantly reduced consumption and disrupted supply chains, while at-home consumption increased, and out-of-home consumption came near to a standstill. But how can manufacturers adapt their business strategies and production processes both now and in the longer term? The pandemic may provide an opportunity for rethinking outdated processes and procedures and enhancing them with concepts such as innovative robotics, sensor technology and holistic automation strategies.
Improve OEE with Artificial Intelligence at the Edge in Food Manufacturing
16. lokakuuta 2019 Implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in food manufacturing is picking up speed. Many F&B companies are realizing that AI presents an opportunity to increase not only the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) – and therefore combine reduced costs with increased productivity – but also to improve the analysis of data to support continuous improvement programs such as reducing waste or process operations variability.
3 Steps to Optimize Operational Efficiency for the Future of Manufacturing
02. lokakuuta 2019 Operational Excellence is required to maximize capital expenditures. But at the same time manufacturers are challenged to move away from traditional high volume, low mix production runs, to more complex high mix, low volume production with consumer demand linked directly with production. How to optimize operational efficiency to be ready for the future of manufacturing?
The power of collaboration between machines, people and teams
01. lokakuuta 2019 With today’s rapid advances in technology, the manufacturing sector needs to be increasingly agile, ready to adapt to changing demands. Production lines must be more flexible, so that they can cope with shorter production runs, more varied products and tight deadlines. So how can manufacturers address these challenges? The solution lies in more advanced, interconnected and intelligent systems that can be programmed to handle a range of tasks.
Minimum complexity, Maximum yield
08. heinäkuuta 2019 Omron's leading position in packaging automation in the Food & Beverage industry is based on smart and simple solutions that result in solid success. A concept that we dubbed Perfect Packaging. Omron's Perfect Packaging approach structurally eliminates risks and boosts production even in tough situations when high throughput is required. But also optimises your filling. Minimising under- or overfill.
At Omron we serve to protect Package Integrity!
08. heinäkuuta 2019 Protecting a product is the main purpose of any package. Food packaging that is not closed completely airtight can cause a whole range of problems resulting in huge expenses and problematic long-term consequences for manufacturers. Loss of nutrients and aroma to premature spoilage are the least problematic relative to the costly aftermath that easily comes around the corner when consumer health is at stake and recalls enter the media.
Energizing European battery cell production
01. toukokuuta 2020 What can European automotive companies do to future-proof their production lines, especially in relation to battery manufacturing? Robotics, automated quality control and artificial intelligence (AI) can help companies to tackle the strong competition they are facing from Asia.
Integrated data control, motion control and machine vision for next-generation automotive production line
24. huhtikuuta 2020 The Mexican regional headquarters of a leading manufacturer of premium air brake actuators for global on-highway and specialty markets required a new automated production assembly line. One of the company’s key performance indicators is to deliver a fully assembled product every 30 seconds, and it is with this end goal at the forefront that the team started the process of automating the production line.
ŠKODA AUTO uses LD mobile robot at Vrchlabí plant
17. maaliskuuta 2020 The autonomous robot contributes to the continuous improvement of work safety in Vrchlabí and helps to minimise work risks. It recognises people crossing its path as well as other vehicles and stationary obstacles.
Green is key: sustainability in battery manufacturing for E-mobility
05. helmikuuta 2020 Today, sustainability is no longer a niche topic, but something that companies are integrating into their business strategies. Not only are sustainability practices necessary to answer the changing demands of consumers, the marketplace and governments, they are also increasingly being seen as a competitive strength. That’s because sustainability practices reduce energy consumption and waste, and also help companies use their resources more efficiently. They even help companies optimize their manufacturing agility and enable them to respond to fluctuating demand and the growing need for personalization. And finally, sustainability can play an important role in acquiring and retaining customers, as well in developing new market opportunities.
Agile and clever tailor-made mobile robotics
04. marraskuuta 2019 Major German automotive group optimizes efficiency and innovation leadership in material handling with Omron LD mobile robots and a conveyor attachment from cts GmbH.Automobile production and assembly line production have always been closely linked. It was not until Henry Ford began using conveyor belts in his factories in 1913 that the car was able to conquer the world as a mass-produced product. Today, a working day without assembly lines is inconceivable at the BMW factories. The group relies on innovative transport and logistics to increase efficiency and flexibility, to better link work processes, as well as to relieve employees from repetitive and time-consuming tasks. These concepts include Omron LD mobile robots for material transport that deliver a particularly high return on investment (ROI). These autonomous mobile robots are equipped with a conveyor tower - a height-adjustable load handling device, developed by system integrator cts GmbH. The interaction between employees and transport robots at BMW impressively demonstrates how factory harmony can be implemented in the factory of the future.