Inspired by Tateishi, a visionary Japanese entrepreneur who believed in the power of technology to improve people's lives, Omron has a rich history. The company's very first development in 1933 was a high-precision time relay (timer) for X-ray imaging. At that time, there was a great need in hospitals for faster timers for X-ray machines.

World's first automatic traffic signal

The introduction of the first contactless proximity switch at the Osaka International Trade Fair in 1960 was another milestone that accelerated the development of advanced machines that could operate in mass production without failure or wear. Since then, Omron has developed many other technologies that have changed the industry and improved people's lives. These include the world's first automatic traffic signal, an unmanned train station system, a portable blood pressure monitor, an ultra-fast fuzzy logic controller and an automatic device for diagnosing cancer cells.

Focus on production automation

Omron has made significant contributions in numerous areas and industries. Examples include industrial automation, home and office appliances, automobiles, social and financial systems, and healthcare. The development of relays, timers, switches and other components essential to the automatic operation of manufacturing machinery 50 years ago marked the beginning of a long-term commitment to accelerating and advancing industrial automation. In recent years, the focus has shifted to manufacturing automation. Omron has made great strides in the development of sensors, controllers, robots and other devices that help improve manufacturing processes. This has led to several world firsts, including the first intelligent high-performance camera with multi-color light, a Scara robot with predictive maintenance capabilities and an integrated robot controller.

Mastering challenges through automation

Production automation can help industrial companies overcome current problems - skills shortages, unstable supply chains, rising costs and profit margins squeezed by inflation. The integration of technologies and devices via the Internet of Things (IoT) helps manufacturers to reap the benefits of Industry 4.0. At the same time, the introduction of AI is helping to automate decision-making processes and optimize production schedules, leading to improved efficiency and less waste. Omron is at the forefront of this movement, combining core automation platforms such as robotics, control, sensing and vision with new technologies such as AI and 5G to provide the manufacturing industry with creative solutions to challenges they face due to macro-economic factors.

A new era: the autonomous society

Omron is convinced that automation will play an even more important role in industry in the future in order to work more sustainably, efficiently and profitably. The world is taking an "autonomous" approach, where sustainability, the development and well-being of the individual and quality over quantity are paramount. This new world is all about harmonized automation solutions that improve productivity, help address the ongoing skills shortage and reduce the carbon footprint. As part of Omron's "Shaping The Future 2030" strategy, Tateishi's vision of using technology to create a better world will live on.