Get to Know Omron’s Top Three Trends in Sensor Innovation by Omron

MC Get To Know Omrons Top Three Trends in Sensor Innovation 1a 400

July 11, 2022

 

At Omron, they are always working to expand the limits of what is possible with sensors. Presence detection – whether through proximity, photoelectric, or fiber optic sensor technology – is crucial for all manufacturing industries, and Omron’s goal is to be able to cover the unique requirements of any application.

Although there are many ways to make progress in sensing technology, they place a premium on three key areas of innovation: smarter sensors, longer sensing distances, and robust, IP-rated technology. In this article, Omron looks at each in turn.

1.  They’re making their sensors smarter.

Did you know that sensors can now offer more data besides a simple ON/OFF reading? As Omron continue to expand their already broad sensing portfolio, they’re finding ways to incorporate IO-Link functionality so that users can access the data they need for real-time condition monitoring and better predictive maintenance.

IO-Link lets you pull more data from discrete sensors. If you’re using photoelectric sensors in a weld environment, you’ll be able to see when their light intensity dips below a certain level, indicating lens occlusion. IO-Link-enabled sensors utilize the same internal components as traditional sensors, so access to this additional information comes at no additional cost.

2.  They’re offering longer sensing distances.

Long sensing distances are very important for maximizing uptime. When sensors are farther away from the targets, they’re less likely to get damaged. Omron is always striving to achieve stable detection at industry-leasing sensing distances.

Having the option to increase sensing distances is also great for flexibility, since it enables the use of smaller form factor sensors for the same applications and helps address size and layout constraints. Our E2E NEXT proximity sensors, for example, have an exceptionally long sensing distance and are ideal for flexible manufacturing. (They also have IO-Link.)

3.  They make sure their sensors are robust.

There’s a lot going on in a typical manufacturing environment, and there are lots of ways that sensors could get damaged. Corrosive chemicals of various types are common in food and beverage washdown environments, while automotive plants feature grease, dust, cutting oil, and weld slag. If any of these things can easily damage your sensors, that’s a big problem.

Fortunately, automation industry leaders like Omron are addressing this issue by designing sensors with high IP ratings that protect against dust and water ingress. Additionally, many Omron sensors are resistant to cutting oil, which is very important given that approximately 30% of unexpected component failures can be traced back to cutting oil.

 

Interested in learning more about Omron’s trends in sensor innovation? Check our Omron’s sensing technology portfolio by clicking here

Omron Logo 300x150

 

 

 

Source

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Festo Didactic Showcases Technical Education and Training at Hannover Messe 2025

    Festo Didactic Showcases Technical Education and Training at Hannover Messe 2025

    May 20, 2025 By Krystie Johnston Hannover Messe 2025 was an extra special event for Festo. The Festo Group celebrated their 100th anniversary, Festo Canada celebrated their 50th anniversary, and Festo Didactic celebrated their 60th anniversary. Festo Didactic, the education arm of the company, understands how important education is for empowering individuals, driving economic growth,… Read More…

  • EtherCAT in Boost Mode

    May 14, 2025 EtherCAT and PC-based control in test bench technology EtherCAT is by far the fastest Industrial Ethernet technology. Nevertheless, the data acquisition process at Kraus & Naimer’s cam controller test benches called for an even shorter bus cycle. To achieve the required performance, Beckhoff specialists reduced the previous cycle time from 100 µs… Read More…


Featured Article

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and logistics industries, the need for efficient and flexible material movement solutions has never been greater. Traditional methods like conveyor systems, forklifts, and manual pushcarts have served us well, but they come with limitations.

That’s why Omron is thrilled to announce the launch of their game-changing MD Series of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). Read more


Products

  • Electromate to Offer UR7e, UR12e & UR15 Collaborative Robots from Universal Robots

    May 20, 2025 Electromate is expanding its lineup of collaborative automation solutions with the addition of three advanced models from Universal Robots: the UR7e, UR12e, and UR15. These robots provide enhanced options for payload, reach, and precision in demanding collaborative applications. The UR7e delivers a 7 kg payload, 1300 mm reach, and ±0.03 mm repeatability. Positioned between the UR5e and… Read More…

  • Redefining Non-Invasive Temperature Measurement

    May 14, 2025 iTHERM SurfaceLine TM611 provides accuracy and response time comparable to invasive temperature measurement. The non-invasive thermometer iTHERM SurfaceLine TM611 by Endress+Hauser can be used across all industries for a wide range of demanding industrial applications. The surface-mounted thermometer measures process temperature without the risk of leakage and flow disruption. A specially designed… Read More…