FEATURE PROCESS AUTOMATION
‘Innovation by Automation’ is Omron’s new philosophy based on the three ‘I’s: Integrated Automation, Intelligent Automation and Interactive Automation
A
s the trends towards digitalisation and the mobile information society gather
momentum, consumers are demanding more information about the origin and content of the products they buy. Furthermore, they expect products, information and services to be increasingly targeted and personalised. This is how Omron sees the future. Smart factories, with efficient and fully connected supply chains, are critical to manufacturing innovation. The term ‘Industrie 4.0’ (aka Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things or the Fourth Industrial Revolution) encapsulates a higher degree of connected devices, machines and IT; and changes in consumer behaviour driving changes in society. These changes are often amplified by additional changes in legal frameworks. These developments are facilitating new
production methods, intelligent process optimisation, and higher machine utilisation and production yields. In support of this, Omron's ‘Innovation by Automation’ philosophy is based on three key pillars: • Integrated Automation • Intelligent Automation • Interactive Automation Integrated Automation – integration
through advanced control. Any fully automated plant requires
synchronous control of all machines and devices. Advanced integration of logic, motion, safety, robotics together with database connectivity all using open networks and communications protocols greatly assist this process. Omron's integrated automation
platform, Sysmac, provides the performance and functionality needed. At the core of this platform is synchronous control of all machine devices. Advanced functionality, such as motion, robotics and database connectivity is supported by a simple uniform architecture and standard communications protocols, including: EtherNet/IP for connecting to the local and wider operational environments, EtherCAT for deterministic, fast machine communication and IO-Link for integration of components. Sysmac provides a single Integrated
Development Environment (IDE) software for configuration, programming,
34 NOVEMBER 2016 | PROCESS & CONTROL
KEEPING AN ‘I’ ON THE FUTURE
Intelligent Automation turns factory floor data into high-value information
simulation and monitoring software, operating in real-time. Intelligent Automation – turning factory
floor data into high-value information. Data collected from all relevant machine
elements, including product quality inspection data, provides the basis for visualising and analysing machine and process performance intelligently. Omron’s new generation of machine
controllers provides an integrated SQL- database interface, where all collected data can be evaluated in a secure, fast and simple way. And with remote monitoring functionality, all performance and process parameters are accessible from any location. A typical schematic remote monitoring process involves: • Collecting relevant production data and
building statistics on performance • Learning thresholds to detect trends
prior to realise machine stops for predictive maintenance • Providing real-time indicators at the
machine and to remote PCs or mobile devices • Realising fast troubleshooting • All key components can be easily reset
with the touch of a button • Monitor all EtherCAT-connected
devices via the built-in troubleshooter on the NA series HMI • Machine programs and parameter sets
can be restored via an SD card • Monitor key process parameters to
provide early warnings Interactive Automation – harmonious
interaction between humans and machines.
The use of robots in production lines is becoming increasing significantly, and with a rising demand for customised (personalised) products, requirements for flexibility in automation are also growing. In application areas where the flexibility and cognitive skills of humans are wanted, but the strength, accuracy and electronic data recording and reporting of robots are also required; a new generation of collaborative robots (cobot) is emerging. New approaches to the human-machine
interaction are also emerging in the form of traditional interfaces like touchscreens and programming tools. Omron’s Sysmac Studio programming software provides full and interactive control over machine programming, integration, configuration, monitoring and support. When it comes to putting the three ‘I’s in
practice, personalised production is a good example of ‘Innovation by Automation’. Manufacturing flexibility allows for smaller and smaller batch numbers to be produced. The personalisation of a product means reducing the production order size to a single item - the key is continuous production whilst avoiding time consuming changeover times. In terms of achieving ‘The connected
Smart factories, with efficient and fully- connected supply chains, are critical to
manufacturing innovation
factory’, various IT, software and machine solutions from various vendors need to connect seamlessly. While sourcing all automation equipment from a supplier such as Omron simplifies the network infrastructure, Omron also supports an open partner network with a standardised interface and connectivity architecture.
Omron Electronics
www.industrial.omron.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56
