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OMRON to Release New Industrial PC Platform, Making Production Sites "Integrated" and "Intelligent"KYOTO, Japan, July 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- OMRON Corporation announced on July 27 the global release in August of its new Industrial PC Platform (hereinafter "IPC") to innovate manufacturing through IoT utilization and high-speed, high-precision automation. (Photo: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M102197/201607262800/_prw_OI1fl_g4Mm8l15.jpg) The IPC is a PC architecture-based platform that meets strict quality standards required for factory automation (FA) devices and can be supplied stably on a long-term basis. OMRON assists manufacturers to make production equipment smarter by utilizing IoT and big data through the IPC. At the same time, OMRON helps them boost both their equipment-operating ratio and manufacturing quality by applying know-how on advanced fine-tuning control, which OMRON has gained through the Sysmac automation platform (*1), to production lines and equipment. Moves are spreading to seek innovative manufacturing by leveraging IoT, big data and robotics at production sites. In order to collect data for improvement and preventive maintenance, a programmable logic controller (PLC) is connected with PCs for office use which require complex license management and are supported only for a short time. Moreover, builders of semiconductor-manufacturing equipment and machine tools produce dedicated boards in-house, equipped with real-time operating systems, as main controllers. They are outsourcing the development of general control functionality and concentrating resources on the development of competitive core technology. These circumstances have increased global needs for PC architecture-based controllers which provide environmental resistance and reliability and allow for flexible development. OMRON has captured these needs and developed three types of IPCs. Users can choose the best IPC from box-type PC models and all-in-one PCs with built-in monitors to suit their system configurations and applications. The IPC supports EtherCAT, which was impossible with previous PLCs. EtherCAT is an open network used for production lines and equipment all over the world as well as roviding a development environment that allows users to customize functionalities. Industrial PC Platform - Industrial PC The Industrial PC offers robustness and reliability for applications in an FA environment and is - Industrial PC: IPC Machine Controller (*2) The IPC Machine Controller is a hybrid PLC that combines fine-tuning control featuring the - Industrial PC: IPC RTOS Controller (*3) Coming equipped with a real-time operating system (*4), the IPC RTOS Controller enables both OMRON brings innovation to manufacturing sites through automation with "integrated," "intelligent" and "interactive" concepts. The IPC is a new control platform that delivers "integrated" and "intelligent" automation to production sites and equipment around the world. OMRON is going to work on manufacturing innovation with manufacturers by developing OMRON's unique automation using a wide range of FA product lineups, including PLCs and IPCs, and open industrial networks such as EtherCAT. (*1) Sysmac automation platform OMRON's integrated automation platform is dedicated to providing complete control and (*2) The Industrial PC IPC Machine Controller will be available soon. (*3) Available in Japan only. (*4) Choice of real-time operating systems: Linux and VxWorks. (Main specifications: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M102197/201607262800/_prw_OA1fl_Ee2ax533.pdf) About OMRON Corporation OMRON Corporation is a global leader in the field of automation based on its core technology of sensing and control. OMRON's business fields cover a broad spectrum, ranging from industrial automation and electronic components to automotive electronic components, social infrastructure systems, healthcare, and environmental solutions. Established in 1933, OMRON has over 38,000 employees worldwide, working to provide products and services in more than 110 countries and regions. In the field of industrial automation, OMRON supports manufacturing innovation by providing advanced automation technologies and products, as well as through extensive customer support, in order to help create a better society. For more information, visit OMRON's website at: http://www.omron.com/ To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/omron-to-release-new-industrial-pc-platform-making-production-sites-integrated-and-intelligent-300304633.html SOURCE OMRON Corporation |