Omron Europe is now presenting its exhibition concept for Hannover Messe 2020. The world's largest leading trade fair for industry will take place this year from 20 to 24 April. At the Omron stand, visitors will be able to experience the factory of the future first-hand using practical application scenarios and learn how flexibility and productivity can be optimised with the help of new technologies and systems.
Innovative robotics, cobots, AI solutions and image applications help human employees to work more harmoniously, efficiently, seamlessly and cost-effectively with machines. This is based on Omron's „innovative automation“ concept, which combines intelligent, integrated and interactive approaches.
Visitors to Hannover Messe will experience the practical benefits of a collaborative production environment that unleashes human potential. At HMI, Omron will present various application examples that combine AI, IoT and robotics technologies to address challenges that companies in the manufacturing industry are increasingly facing. Examples include the production of high-mix low-volume products, Lot-Size-1 and digitalisation.
Omron will be presenting the following solutions at Hannover Messe 2020:
- Cell-Line Control System, a brand new production line in which man and machine work together in harmony
In the main area of its stand at HMI, Omron will be presenting a production line that realises multi-product manufacturing in small quantities in a particularly flexible and efficient way. The line shows how companies can increase the efficiency of manufacturing processes through the interaction between man and machine. For example, through mobile and collaborative robots (cobots) that co-operate safely in assembly, machine maintenance and inspection tasks.
Omron uses Artificial Intelligence to replicate the expertise and know-how of skilled technicians and presents an advanced technology to detect anomalies during production. At every step of the manufacturing process, sensors and automated visual tools support the production line to improve quality and train employees. Errors or skipped steps are recognised in real time. This provides support for new employees in particular and ensures product quality.
The Cell-Line Control System is one of the most innovative control and information systems to support efficient and high-quality production, which requires high variety and production of variable quantities. Robotics and AI as well as 3D vision technology are integrated into this new production line concept.
- 6th generation „FORPHEUS“ table tennis robot
Omron's FORPHEUS table tennis robot returns to Hanover to playfully emphasise the „harmony between man and machine“. Here, machines learn from humans and teach them to improve their skills with Omron's core technology „Sensing & Control + Think“.
The latest 6th generation of FORPHEUS is equipped with state-of-the-art AI, robotics, sensor and control technology to enable advanced table tennis skills that support even professional players. This intelligent, AI-based training robot now understands its opponents better than ever before, including their emotions and motivation, to provide personalised and tailored advice and improve the player's skills.
FORPHEUS demonstrates the collaboration between man and machine by combining image and camera technology with robotics and AI at machine level („at the edge“). It enables interactive games and can identify table tennis balls in a 3D environment just like the eyes of its human opponent. It also has the ability to evaluate players in order to optimise their skills. The AI controller accurately predicts the opponent's game and moves its high-speed robotic arm accordingly.
At Hannover Messe 2020, Omron will also be showcasing some of its latest applications, including
- Flexible high-speed 3D picking (bin picking)
This application shows how companies can automate strenuous loading tasks on existing lines to reduce back problems and other injury risks for employees while improving productivity by up to 20 per cent. Omron's TM-Cobot is a powerful solution for easily automating tasks such as picking or packing that are traditionally performed by humans and have been challenging to automate. Thanks to a compact and fast 3D vision camera mounted directly on the cobot's arm, and by moving the camera to eliminate blind spots, picking of many parts can be easily simplified. This also includes picking and placing different items onto a tray or into a container. This is done just as quickly and precisely as picking by a human employee.
- AI-supported sensory quality control
Omron will also be showcasing its unique Defect Detection technology, which recognises defects by mimicking „human intuition“ and „expert experience“ to automate product inspections on the factory floor. The reliable detection of defects that were previously difficult to recognise using machines enables the automation of quality inspections that could previously only be carried out by humans. This AI function complements Omron's FH series vision system and will be available from spring 2020.
Omron at the Hannover Messe: Hall 9, Stand F24
Source: Omron
