Easy Ways to Increase Production Line Flexibility

PB-46-Omron-EasyProductionFlexibility-400.jpg

June 15, 2021

Flexible manufacturing doesn’t have to mean implementing advanced technologies like the Omron LD Series mobile robots. If you’re trying to boost flexibility on a budget, there are plenty of simpler devices that can dramatically increase production line layout options. Let’s take a look at some of these.

A2W Series wireless pushbutton

The A2W Series is a recent Omron innovation in switch technology that reduces the installation cost of switches and enhances application flexibility. Each switch is equipped with an LED signal strength indicator to notify the operator of the transmission signal status to the receiver. No batteries or recharging is necessary.

Since the A2W can be placed anywhere on the production line, it opens up more options for system design. This type of wireless indicator is an excellent way to reduce complexity and minimize the effort required for changeovers. Furthermore, the battery-free technology requires zero maintenance.

MicroHAWK Series compact barcode readers

Designed to fit easily into compact spaces, the Omron MicroHAWK family helps manufacturers stay on top of traceability needs without adding more layout restrictions. The MicroHAWKs’ compact build is ideal for space-constrained applications like automated diagnostic testing machines.

MicroHAWK barcode readers also help add flexibility with respect to distance from the code reader to the barcode thanks to the inclusion of a liquid lens. This type of lens contains actual liquid that can be manipulated to adjust the focal length to almost any distance.

Learn more about Omron’s flexible manufacturing solutions HERE.

Source

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • ABB Contactor Selection Guide Canada

    October 1, 2025 ABB contactors are among the most reliable electrical switching devices in industrial automation. As Canada’s leading ABB authorized distributor, Proax has helped thousands of engineers and technicians select the right ABB contactor for their applications. Whether you’re designing a new motor control panel or replacing existing equipment, choosing the right ABB contactor can… Read More…

  • 25 Advanced Motion Control Questions Answered

    October 1, 2025 Electromate has compiled a list of 25 advanced mechatronic engineering FAQs covering inertia, vibration, servo safety, control tuning, encoder resolution, and motion system design, and provided answers from their team of experts across the country. How do I model moment loading in real-world applications with offset payloads? Moment loading should be calculated… 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

  • Festo AI-Powered Pneumatic Cylinder Monitoring Cuts Machine Downtime, Transforming Maintenance from Reactive to Predictive

    October 3, 2025 Festo introduces its AI-enabled monitoring and predictive maintenance system Festo AX Motion Insights Pneumatic. AX Motion Insights Pneumatic is a cost-effective, easy-to-use solution for preventing costly unscheduled machine downtime through its monitoring of pneumatic cylinders for wear and anomalies. This AI-based industrial app ensures operations are more reliable, efficient, and ultimately more profitable. The… Read More…

  • Integrated Power and Energy Measurement Technology

    October 1, 2025 Precise energy monitoring for maximum efficiency Beckhoff offers an integrated solution for real-time energy monitoring that records electrical parameters such as voltage, current, and power directly within the EtherCAT I/O system. This transparency reduces machine downtime, prevents component oversizing, and enables a rapid response to grid faults such as phase failures. Deviations… Read More…