OMRON to Exhibit at the International Robot Exhibition 2022 Showcasing the Latest Seventh-generation of Table Tennis Robot, FORPHEUS!
– Experiencing robot solutions that change conventional concepts with the evolved "i-Automation!" –

• February 25, 2022

OMRON Corporation (Head Office: Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto; President & CEO: Yoshihito Yamada) will exhibit at the 2022 International Robot Exhibition (iREX2022) to be held at Tokyo Big Sight for four days from March 9 (Wed) to 12 (Sat), 2022. iREX2022 is one of the world's largest robotics trade shows, showcasing the latest technologies and related products from robotics-related companies in Japan and overseas, and introducing next-generation robot technologies to meet the evolving needs for intelligence and information technology.

At the OMRON booth, we will propose a manufacturing site that maximizes the potential of humans and machines, realized through the evolution of OMRON’s unique concept of "innovative-Automation", which solves the problems of manufacturing sites by innovative automation. In addition, the latest generation of the table tennis robot, "FORPHEUS," will be on display, embodying OMRON's future vision where humans and machines are in harmony. At the exhibition, OMRON will showcase robotics solutions and automation technologies in which humans and machines collaborate in harmony based on OMRON's core technologies "Sensing & Control + Think".

We will provide the experience of advanced solutions in the manufacturing industry that will change the perception of conventional robotics solutions and advocate the direction of manufacturing in the near future through embodying the "innovative-Automation" concept that will support the evolving manufacturing workplace.

【iREX 2022 OMRON booth image】

＜Main exhibits＞
【Manufacturing innovation through innovative-Automation】
① Let machines do for what can be done by machines: "Autonomation beyond human abilities"
Today's manufacturing industry is faced with the difficulty of securing human resources, but is under pressure to continuously improve production efficiency in order to fulfill its supply responsibilities and maintain/strengthen its competitiveness. In the area of "Autonomation beyond human abilities", we aim to innovate workplaces where people can engage in creative work with peace of mind, by automating the manual work which has been relied on people with robotics technology based on high-speed and high-precision control application technologies. We will also contribute to the development of new manufacturing that meets the rapidly changing needs of goods while taking into consideration of the global environment through autonomous manufacturing that balances productivity and energy efficiency. At the exhibition, we will showcase the solutions to automate assembly work and visual inspection, which have been difficult to automate due to the reliance on skilled workers, by deploying the advanced applications such as "intelligent assembly" and "AI-based sensory inspection". In addition, in order to achieve "zero equipment event," we will propose the use of various remote applications such as "Mobile Manipulators" and AI technology automating the adjustment after setup and troubleshooting for sudden failures. We will also provide the experience how our remote applications can save manpower.

② People can extract their full potential: "Advanced collaboration between people and machines"
The dexterity and creativity of people are essential to manufacturing that meets the diversification and personalization of product needs. At the same time, the evolution of manufacturing that maximizes human capabilities is required. While promoting the automation to replace workers where appropriate, OMRON aims to have people remain in the central roles in manufacturing so that they can maximize their potential and enjoy self-growth and job satisfaction. Our goal is to create a manufacturing site where people can find fulfillment in their work and enjoyment in manufacturing, while also achieving productivity, by realizing "Advanced collaboration between people and machines" where robots can take over the heavy labor as well as simple and repetitive tasks, while machines support human proficiency and workers and robots can compensate each other flexibly according to the situation. In this way, we aim to realize a manufacturing site where people can enjoy their work in manufacturing, while balancing with productivity. At the exhibition, visitors will be able to find how collaborative robots take charge of tasks in cooperation with people, and how they can replace tasks in case of sudden shortfalls in workers.

③ "Digital engineering transformation”
The restrictions on movement and access to production floors we experienced in the COVID-19 pandemic significantly transformed our product development and production line/equipment maintenance and servicing, with virtual technology-based simulation and remote monitoring also playing important parts. OMRON believes that on-site innovation through DX is essential for the advancement of manufacturing in the post-Covid-19 era as well, and we have been strengthening our development of technologies and solutions that accelerate the shift to DX in the manufacturing workplace. Taking advantage of the high reproducibility that simulation technology can replicate the real environment of reality at the virtual environment, visitors can view the demonstration of remote start-up and maintenance of equipment at the OMRON booth by remotely connecting a factory floor through simulation software.

【A symbol of harmony between human and machine: FORPHEUS】
④ Seventh-generation table tennis robot "FORPHEUS"
With OMRON's core technology of "Sensing & Control + Think", this robot embodies in an easy-to-understand manner the "Harmony between human and machine", where machines bring out the abilities and creativity of humans. The latest seventh generation robot is equipped with the latest AI, robotics, and sensing & control technologies to enhance the team performance of two people in a doubles team. You can experience how the evolution of machines creates connections between people and encourages empathy and cooperation.

【The latest seventh generation table tennis robot, FORPHEUS】

＜About International Robot Exhibition 2022（iREX2022）＞

Date & Time	March 9 (Wed) to 12 (Sat), 2022 10:00-17:00
Location	Tokyo Big Sight, East Hall
Official website	https://biz.nikkan.co.jp/eve/irex/ (Organizer)
OMRON booth location	Tokyo Big Sight, East Hall 4
Online Exhibition Period	March 1 (Tue) to 18 (Fri), 2022
Details of OMRON's exhibition	https://www.fa.omron.co.jp/event/irex2022/

About innovative-Automation
Recently, OMRON has developed a manufacturing innovation concept, called "innovative-Automation" With this concept, OMRON is currently committed to bringing innovation to manufacturing sites through three key innovations, or three "i's." Through these innovations in the area of automation, OMRON aims to enable significant productivity improvements in manufacturing sites in order to achieve high-value-added manufacturing. With the first "i," "integrated" (control evolution), OMRON will seek to advance automated control technology so that virtually any operator, even inexperienced operators, can effortlessly perform work that previously required the expert skills of experienced workers. With the second "i," "intelligent" (development of intelligence by ICT), OMRON seeks to create constantly evolving equipment and production lines. By adopting a wide range of control devices and artificial intelligence (AI), machines can learn through experience and maintain themselves in optimal condition. For the third "i," "interactive" (new harmonization between people and machines), OMRON pursues the development of a new harmonious relationship between human operators and machines; as they work together in the same workspace, machines will be able to assist human operators by recognizing human thoughts and behavior in a way that only OMRON, a specialist control equipment manufacturer who knows production floors inside and out, can realize.

About OMRON Corporation
OMRON Corporation is a global leader in the field of automation based on its core technology of "Sensing & Control + Think". OMRON's business fields cover a broad spectrum, ranging from industrial automation and electronic components to social systems, healthcare, and environmental solutions. Established in 1933, OMRON has about 30,000 employees worldwide, working to provide products and services in around 120 countries and regions. For more information, visit OMRON's website:　https://www.omron.com/global/en/