Automation blog
Green packaging industry: How to achieve sustainable manufacturing
February 09, 2022 Sustainability in the packaging industry is one of the key aspects in fighting the plastic waste issue and ultimately climate change. The challenges that this presents, require flexible and powerful automation technology.
Hanover Displays automates PCBA testing with cobots
January 31, 2022 UK-based Hanover Displays Limited needed a new system for testing printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) and selected OMRON TM cobots for the job, supplied and installed by Absolute Robotics, part of the Absolute Automation Group.
Five challenges in High-Mix, Low-Volume (HMLV) packaging and palletizing processes
December 21, 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
December 17, 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
November 24, 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.
FasThink optimizes Garnet's intralogistics with mobile robots
November 02, 2021 Garnet relies on FasThink to innovate its logistics and production processes.
Intelligent System Solutions with Autonomous Mobile Robot: AM-Flow and OMRON
October 27, 2021 Industry 4.0 brings the promise of streamlined processes, big data insights and production lines running 24/7 with zero downtime. Unlike historical ‘industrial revolutions,’ this one offers the luxury of time and choice for manufacturers. That’s because the benefits of automation can be embraced incrementally or fully, whether it’s a new state-of-the-art facility or something retrofit-installed into a more traditional production setup. Making it easier to make the move is AM-Flow, an entrepreneurial start-up currently making waves in providing its solutions to the new tide of producers coming ashore in the world of additive manufacturing.
Fuelling the success of local battery cell production
September 20, 2021 Expert and automotive manufacturers alike agree that e-mobility is the future. Batteries and battery manufacturing are central to this development. In this context, the global market for lithium-ion batteries is expected to grow from 44.2 billion US dollars (2020) to 94.4 billion dollars (2025). The transformation of the automotive industry from internal combustion engines to battery or hydrogen-powered fuel cells is presenting companies with immense challenges.
Developing digital capability: how any factory can be smart
September 16, 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.
Unika makes Landmark decision to bring quality levels to new heights
August 25, 2021 OMRON TM cobots with integrated vision system eliminate human error, increase production efficiency.
Flexible, safe and easy collaborative welding solution from Guidetti Technology
August 20, 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
August 11, 2021 By Stuart Coulton, Regional Manager, OMRON UK North
How labour shortages are affecting the logistics sector and why automation is the solution
August 11, 2021 By Stuart Coulton, Regional Manager, OMRON UK North
Professional help for personal care: Putting a cobot to work
July 09, 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
June 23, 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
June 17, 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
June 16, 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
June 03, 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 transports waste for Kymenlaakso Central Hospital in Finland
April 07, 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
April 02, 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
March 16, 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.
Automation for zero touch: Improving safety, quality and efficiency in F&B
March 15, 2021 Recent innovations in automation, robotics, image processing and artificial intelligence (AI) can help companies to migrate towards zero touch processes.
Affordable automation: Leasing cobots and mobile robots for flexibility on the factory floor
March 04, 2021 In line with the move to Industry 4.0, an increasing number of manufacturers are turning to automation as a way of streamlining processes and boosting productivity. A key aspect of this is the use of robots, often working alongside people in the factory. However, many companies might be reluctant to invest in additional automation, particularly following the economic difficulties presented by COVID-19. For manufacturers looking for an affordable solution, cost structures with leasing options are being implemented as an option to allow adaptability on the factory floor.
Get the full value from your factory floor data with data sciences
June 19, 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.
High-speed robot tests the reliability of black boxes
May 14, 2020 A non-destructive alternative to crash tests
Integrated data control, motion control and machine vision for next-generation automotive production line
April 24, 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.
IoT security for manufacturers
December 11, 2019 The Internet of Things (IoT) is a recent concept, involving the connection of devices that incorporate electronics, software or sensors, with the aim of collecting and exchanging data.
Smart machines: laying the golden egg?
October 16, 2019 Greater manufacturing efficiency: it’s the golden egg we’re all looking for. But it’s getting increasingly hard to find. The solution could be smarter automation, which involves lots and lots of data (‘big data’) and data collection and data-driven modelling. The smart machine then uses the models to automatically adjust its own behaviour (i.e. machine learning).
A practical illustration of IoT and Industry 4.0
October 01, 2019 The Internet of Things (IoT) is a relatively new phenomenon. Prof Dr Thomas Pospiech, a teacher of Production and Process Management at Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences, was interviewed recently about the ‘IoT box’ he’s developed to give his students a practical illustration of this fairly abstract concept.
What is the effect of Brexit on automation in the UK?
September 26, 2019 Currently, workers from the EU have the right to travel and work freely across European borders. However, key statistics of net migration from the Office of National Statistics in the UK, show that net migration to the UK has been significantly reduced since 2016. With the announcement of Brexit, and the ensuing uncertainty around it, UK factories are perhaps no longer a viable destination for European workers.
Industry 4.0 - hot topic or hot air?
September 19, 2019 Industry 4.0 is defined by Wikipedia as “the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies”. But what does that mean for you and your customers? And it isn’t really a new topic. At Omron, we’ve been working on manufacturing automation and data exchange for years.
How smart is your packaging line?
September 17, 2019 Industry 4.0 is changing the way in which manufactured goods are produced, through the use of automation and data exchange. By incorporating it into your packaging line, you can start to enjoy a range of benefits, from better data management to improved efficiency. Moving to a modern, flexible and smart line will bring the most benefits, but replacing a complete production line might not be a viable option if you’re operating with tight margins. However, even small changes to your existing facilities can significantly boost your efficiency.
Minimum complexity, Maximum yield
July 08, 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!
July 08, 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.
Perfect Packaging, ordinary packaging executed extraordinary well
July 08, 2019 Packaging processes rarely harbour extremely surprising variables. From manufacturers to system integrators, machine builders and industrial automation providers, we all know the essentials that make packaging production a definite success. However, the everyday reality on the factory floor is that small imperfections in the process result in major output disturbances. That is why Omron introduces its Perfect Packaging concept featuring smart innovations that ensure that ordinary F&B-packaging is executed extraordinary well. We help make your bottom-line top!
Go with the Adaptive and Dynamic production flow!
May 06, 2019 Flexible and fast responses to changes in market dynamics improve performance. Made-for-me production flows are the future of manufacturing coherent with Industry 4.0. A reality that Omron already provides today through its cutting edge innovative-Automation approach. Turning factory floor data into highly valuable information, we realize intelligent automation solutions for manufacturers around the globe.
Smart sensing for multiple materials!
May 06, 2019 You know the routine. Switching from one product to another on your production line means a costly full stop, making all kinds of changes, starting up again, discarding the materials and packaging already fed into the line together with start-up rejects, and only then can production resume. Well, have we got good news for you: smart sensing for multiple materials!
Rock solid results with flexible production & robotics!
May 06, 2019 Today's market requires an increasingly agile production environment. Traditional industrial automation and robots are often too inflexible to successfully accomplish mass customization. Omron is enabling smart Industry 4.0 scenarios with a rare combination of intelligent automation solutions and robotics. Perfecting seamless human-robot collaboration and making more and more use of AI-driven possibilities, we assist manufacturers in realizing rock solid results with flexible production and robotics.
Direct link IT & OT puts factories on cloud nine
February 25, 2019 Just imagine getting rid of cumbersome middleware or PC data concentrators at your production locations and being able to enjoy the benefits of direct database connectivity. Where Information Technology (IT) & Operational Technology (OT) come together something beautiful happens. We have created a production environment in which databases and machine controllers are best friends and keep in touch continuously.
Don't let vibrations catch you off balance!
February 25, 2019 Machine operators are aware that sudden increases in vibrations or noise variations can herald a serious shake-up on their production lines. Unfortunately, it is hard for humans to quickly notice the indicators of, for instance, out-of-balance mechanics. The human touch is no match for dedicated sensors combined with high-speed Analogue Input Units that can reliably, precisely, and easily acquire synchronized data.
Expect the unexpected: Prepare, Prevent & Predict
February 25, 2019 Sudden stops on a production line can cost a fortune. Avoiding unexpected stops and reducing scheduled downtime are key components to boost OEE. It sounds simple, but requires interpretation of the right, often complex, data. Artificial intelligence can optionally be deployed to interpret the collected relevant device and machine data real-time. Our solutions assist you to actively steer your operations to optimize the schedule for maintenance activities, and minimize maintenance and support costs.
Transforming the manufacturing industry beyond OEE
February 11, 2019 Omron's series of 'OEE & me'-publications offers manufacturers, machine builders, and system integrators a convenient, complete and up-to-date guide to state-of-the-art OEE solutions. Practical insights that clearly explain what these new industrial automation solutions can do for your business. We will focus on topics like Staying Competitive (machine condition monitoring, autonomous production flows, and machine stops), Quality Control & Regulations (perfect packaging, managing waste, and avoiding contamination), and Mass Customization (avoiding idle time and production disruptions).
Agile and clever tailor-made mobile robotics
November 04, 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.
Mobile robots speed production at new ‘smart factory’
September 26, 2019 Showcasing flexible production in real life, a new ‘Smart Factory’ in Norway uses a variety of robots in a system developed and implemented by system integrator Intek Engineering.