Omron has unveiled a new series of programmable logic controllers and corresponding software. The new Sysmac NJ series of controllers are an effort of Omron’s innovative strategy, called Value generation 2020.
The NJ series of controllers are a result of Omron’s collaboration with Intel. The architecture of the automation controllers has been completely rebuilt and the software has been rewritten to suit the current needs of customers.
Factory automation systems are developed to cater to specific needs of the customers and installed on an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The language used to program these systems, called ladder language, varies with the manufacturer; hence it is difficult for software engineers to learn all different ladder languages. The NJ series is a combination of Intel’s high-speed atom processor and OMRON’s sound knowledge acquired through serving the automation market. Controllers introduced in the future will facilitate seamless integration of a number of different I/O devices, which are used in high-speed motion control. Since the Intel MPU technology has been implemented in these controllers, they are capable of constant up gradation to keep up with the latest technological trends. The speed of all associated user programs can be increased which will result in an overall improvement in the performance of the devices. This also eliminates the cumbersome process of new users having to learn the programming language on each upgrade. The new controller adheres to the IEC 61131-3 programming standard, where users have the liberty of choosing the programming language that suits the working of their machine.
The corresponding software, Sysmac Studio, uses Microsoft Windows Presentation Foundation, which provides an advanced user interface, operability I/O devices and inbuilt setting methods. OMRON IAB revealed plans of setting up ‘Automation Centers’ across Europe, Japan and China. These laboratories, called Tsunagi Laboratories, will be involved in conducting compatibility testing and evaluation by comparing different OMRON devices with OMRON devices of third party vendors. The first Laboratory will be set up in Japan during the first week of August, followed by setting up two more in Shanghai and Europe.
Source: http://www.omron.com/