Automation is the most disruptive technology to manufacturing in the 2020s. Those who don’t start implementing it now will have a tremendous hurdle to overcome by the end of the decade. Thanks to Omron Corporation‘s latest Automation Center in Japan, this is a more achievable goal than ever for small and large businesses.
The facility, which opened January 22, 2020 in Shinagawa, Tokyo, is the world’s 37th automation center and serves as a flagship factory automation center for the company. It integrates artificial intelligence, robotics, Internet of Things, and other high-tech tools to create an efficient facility that innovates automation. The facility is laying the foundation for the future of Industry 4.0.
Welcome to the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Modern manufacturing evolved a long way in the 21st century. Rather than replacing human workers, automation technology is putting them to work in more advanced capacities. In fact, Deloitte reports in its 2020 Manufacturing Outlook that an average of 6,000 jobs are added to the industry each month.
However, the competition is tough. Customer trends are forcing businesses to move toward a Build-to-Order model, and large investments are being poured into increased productivity and reduced lead times for customers.
Many manufacturers are also pushing to further cut costs and prototyping times to create revenue growth opportunities with tightening margins. Integrating advanced technologies like additive manufacturing, QR codes, NFC, virtual and augmented reality, blockchain, AI, and IoT with Six Sigma-levels of quality are the goals of modern manufacturing facilities.
Omron Introduces a New World of Possibilities
Omron’s ATC-Tokyo center is the future of manufacturing today, and customers are welcome to come experience it and educate themselves. It’s a one-stop-shop for anyone seeking a co-manufacturer to work hand-in-hand on product design. Not everyone has the resources of a major global enterprise, so Omron brings these high-tech resources to businesses and entrepreneurs of all sizes.
The massive production floor is impressive, with AI-powered robotics advancing technical innovations beyond what was previously thought possible. Partnering with Omron provides access to powerful tools that enable rapid prototyping, intuitive design, and mass manufacturing/distribution with the lowest overhead costs possible. It’s a sustainable solution that every business can benefit from.
At ATC-Tokyo, clients can see advance technologies in action and learn how they can resolve current pain points. They then work to develop applications to realize personal solutions catered to their business needs. From there, training is provided to make the transition to the production floor easier.
Learn more about the facility in Omron’s official press release.