Data collection and analysis
The first step is collecting data, from individual machines or preferably an entire production line. Analysing this big data can be done cost-effectively using today’s processing power and cloud storage. Clean data is essential for more efficient processing and the best results.
Using data to increase automation
Automation can be taken a step further. Smart systems could identify a potential issue and then automatically adjust parts of the production line whilst the problem is being fixed. This will again increase production efficiency.
Really smart factory automation
In the move towards developing a smart factory, the complexity of the data is a key barrier. That’s why at Omron, we’ve been implementing smarter systems into our own processes, enabling us to develop best practices. And there’s plenty to learn. When we first started looking at our processes, our data scientist spent 80% of his time just cleaning up the data!
Trained for success – by a smart machine!
Smart automation can also play a role in the human-machine interaction. Forpheus, Omron’s table-tennis playing robot, is a good example. It symbolises our innovative-automation! philosophy for machines combining the 3 i’s: integration, interaction, intelligence. For instance, it can observe the motion of its opponent, using cameras to watch the ball’s movement. Analysing the data from the sensors enable it to calculate movements precisely and quickly, so it can anticipate how the opponent will hit the ball and its trajectory. Forpheus then moves its paddle to intercept and hit the ball back.