Mr. Sameer Gandhi | Managing Director Omron Automation, India
OMRON aims to continue its endeavor to empower manufacturers to transform their shop floors into smart manufacturing sites which are not only efficient but also sustainable, indicating our vision of enriching the future for people.
Q. Can you elaborate on Omron’s portfolio of automation products, including PLCs, sensors, and safety devices?
OMRON is a global leader providing complete automation solutions for industrial applications. It brings innovation to manufacturing sites through the concept of “i-Automation!” That comprises of 3 “i (s)” – “integrated”, “intelligent” and “interactive”. OMRON has one of the world’s most sophisticated and wide product range encompassing panel components, smart sensors, Vision technologies, PLCs, Servos, Drives, Robots & Cobots and Machine safety solutions (ILOR+S). All of OMRON offerings are designed on a premise aiming to maintain perfect harmony between humans and machines, thus enabling the manufacturers to make “world-class” in India by solving diverse and complex issues at the shop floor ranging from productivity to quality; speed to safety.
OMRON’s PLCs are known for their reliability and versatility. There is a range of models, designed for volume as well as functional-driven applications. We provide a wide array of sensors, including vision sensors, cameras, and systems that help in capturing the phys – ical environment and enabling automated systems to work seamlessly. OMRON’s safety devices ensure the protection of both people and machines. The product lineup includes safety sensors, drives, light curtains and laser scanners.
Robotics, being a key component of OMRON’s long-term strategy for the industrial automation sector, OMRON aims to leverage robotics to address various social issues and enhance human capabilities through automation. We offer a diverse range of robots catering to various industrial needs such as Collaborative Robots (Cobots), to work safely alongside humans without the need for safety fences; Mobile Robots like Autonomous Intelligent Vehicles (AIVs) that assist with routine, labor-intensive material handling tasks and Industrial Robots like SCARA, Articluated and Parallel robots delivering speed and precision at the shop floors to enhance productivity and flexibility in manufacturing and other industrial processes.
Q. How do Omron’s AI-powered controllers enhance production efficiency and decision-making?
OMRON’s AI-powered controllers significantly enhance production efficiency and decision-making by leveraging advanced machine learning and real-time data processing capabilities. Our Sysmac AI Controller is designed to collect high-fidelity data from machines and create correlation models to monitor machine features. This allows for immediate action when anomalies are detected, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing downtime. By analyzing data on the edge, these controllers can detect abnormalities early and take corrective actions without relying on cloud-based solutions. The integration of AI with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) enables real-time control of production lines and devices. This combination allows for high-speed, secure data processing to detect anomalies and protect product, process, and equipment. The AI-equipped automation controllers can predict unusual behaviors based on anomaly detection models learned by their built-in AI, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of production processes.
Q. Can you share insights on OMRON’s approach to sustainability and energy-efficient automation solutions?
OMRON’s commitment to sustainability includes striving for carbon-neutral manufacturing and sustainable product design.
Our manufacturing solutions focus on reducing emissions, optimizing resource use, and implementing energy-efficiency. They help manufacturers improve energy efficiency by reducing power consumption on the production line and handling sustainable packaging materials leading to contribution towards decarbonization and making production operations more sustainable.
Q. What kind of customer support and after-sales services does OMRON provide in India?
At OMRON we believe that prompt after-sales service is the key to our solutions continuing to perform over a long lifetime. Customers can access our service staff in dedicated help centres. Besides connecting with our staff, we maintain spare stocks to ensure quick uptime and support can be provided via remote or on-site services. Our network of SIs also provides a first level of support. We have a repair centre also that can repair many products locally.
Here is a quick lowdown of our service capabilities :
Presales Support:
- Technical consultation including safety & digitalization
- Application Engineering/ development support
- Installation & Commissioning Support
- Retrofit & Upgradation
Post Sales Support:
- Emergency Breakdown support
- Repair service for automation products
- Spare parts management & extended warranty
- Annual Maintenance contract
Q. How does OMRON foresee the evolution of industrial automation in India over the next decade?
Smart manufacturing, led by Industry 4.0, is an important enabler for India’s manufacturing sector to achieve its trillion-dollar economy goal. It enhances competitiveness, drives innovation, and creates a sustainable and future-ready manufacturing ecosystem. By fostering digital manufacturing, India can further empower the MSMEs, optimize supply chain management, and drive productivity and efficiency. This transformation is essential for making India a global manufacturing hub, an attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) and technology collaborations and for achieving long-term economic growth.
And as India embraces the transformative potential of Industry 4.0, stakeholders across the manufacturing value chain are gearing up to capitalize on this paradigm shift. From small and medium enterprises to large corporations, the adoption of smart manufacturing practices is becoming increasingly prevalent, paving the way for a more competitive and resilient manufacturing sector in the country.
OMRON aims to continue its endeavor to empower manufacturers to transform their shop floors into smart manufacturing sites which are not only efficient but also sustainable, indicating our vision of enriching the future for people, industries and the globe through innovative automation.
