Omron opens automation centre to study AI and robotics
Singapore
AUTOMATION-technology provider Omron has opened its ninth and latest global innovation centre in Singapore, as part of a S$13.5 million investment in robotics capabilities in the Republic over the next two years.
The automation centre in Alexandra Technopark is the first in Singapore and the only one in the world dedicated to exploring the use of advanced artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics technologies in manufacturing.
The innovation living laboratory-cum-research and development (R&D) facility occupies about 8,500 square feet of space, and is the biggest and most advanced in the Asia-Pacific. The facility offers a glimpse into Omron's smart factory innovations, technical application and support capabilities.
It houses a robotics laboratory equipped with automated mobile robots, a demonstration of a reconfigurable production line and a control centre for an IoT-based manufacturing plant, among others.
Other automation centres in the region are in Thailand, Indonesia, India, China, Japan and South Korea; the rest are in the US and Europe.
Takehito Maeda, Omron Asia-Pacific managing director of industrial automation business, said the company aims to demonstrate the potential of smart manufacturing and bring the future of manufacturing to its present-day customers.
"We have worked tirelessly alongside Singapore industries for decades now, having equipped factory floors here through the generations. It is no different now, as we continue to support our customers as they move on to embrace digital transformation."
Lieu Yew Fatt, managing director of Omron Electronics Singapore, said Singapore is the best place to test-bed its technologies as the industry, especially manufacturing, is mature and faces challenges in the areas of land, costs and manpower constraints.
"If we can make a success here, it is easier for us to replicate it in the rest of the region. It becomes a springboard to South-east Asia."
Mr Lieu said the various automation centres in the region will be linked up eventually to leverage on the expertise of each, enabling faster and better development of solutions.
He added that the company is looking to increase its number of skilled positions such as system and mechatronics engineers to man and support the centre.
Lim Kok Kiang, assistant managing director of Economic Development Board, said: "We are glad that Omron has chosen to set up its automation centre in Singapore to drive the adoption of integrated automation solutions and robotics applications, particularly among the SMEs.
"We also look forward to Omron's talent initiatives to train and further the capabilities of Singapore's system integrators and end users."
