How Omron’s NX-I/O Helped a Green R&D Services Company Cut Costs by 30%

November 26, 2020

Transitioning from an initial machinery prototype to a Generation 1 production solution can be a major challenge. Omron recently had the privilege of helping a customer move from prototype to Gen 1 on a strict timetable and budget. By providing a complete plug-and-play solution using the NX Series I/O System, Omron helped the customer cut costs by 30%.

Improving upon the initial prototype design

The customer was a leading provider of research and development services for engineering and life sciences companies, and it was seeking a cost-effective solution for its remote I/O that would incorporate cutting-edge automation technologies. Most importantly, the customer needed to reduce hardware costs and installation time.

Making the solution as economical as possible was key. Without a decrease in hardware and labor costs, it would be difficult for the customer to convince investors to support a transition from the initial prototype to Gen 1 and Gen 2 production. In particular, the system’s temperature control needed improvement to make the reactor run more efficiently.

Moving from DeviceNet to EtherCAT with NX-I/O

The company initially wanted to implement a solution using DeviceNet. Omron found that it would be more effective to introduce EtherCAT technology using NX-I/O. Part of the powerful Sysmac solution, NX-I/O is the premier I/O system for Omron’s NX and NJ controller families.

Omron gave preference to EtherCAT over DeviceNet because the latter is a slower CAN-based protocol designed for sensors and it uses screw-type connections that can be difficult to install and maintain. EtherCAT, an Ethernet-based control protocol with RJ45 connectivity, is easier to implement in large part because customers can leverage their understanding of Ethernet.

Transitioning to a full Sysmac solution

The original solution used technologies from a different supplier, so significant changes were needed. Although it was too late to convert from the original supplier responsible for prototype production, Omron secured the remote I/O and began to actively work on transitioning the R&D company to a full Sysmac solution.

Omron and the customer developed a complete plug-and-play solution involving an NX-Series I/O System on each machine with integrated EtherCAT, which significantly improved machine performance and temperature control while cutting costs by 30%. The project was completed within the four-month time frame.

Source

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Promise Robotics Transforms Automation in Homebuilding with Next-Gen Control Platform

    April 16, 2025 The AI-powered robotic system enables homebuilders to build more homes faster with less resources using flexible automation and distributed drive technology from Beckhoff Imagine a world where affordable, sustainable housing isn’t a dream, but a reality. This vision faces two significant hurdles: skyrocketing construction costs and a shortage of skilled labour. These… Read More…

  • How Omron Light Curtains Improve Machine Safety Compliance in Canada

    April 16, 2025 In Canadian industrial environments, safeguarding workers and ensuring machine safety compliance is both a regulatory requirement and a productivity necessity. At Proax, as an authorized distributor of Omron, they offer safety solutions engineered to meet and exceed modern compliance standards — including the CSA Z432 and Z434 requirements unique to Canada. Among these solutions, Omron’s Safety… 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

  • Visualize the Wireless Networks of Your AGV and AMR Systems with MOXA Solutions

    April 16, 2025 Ensuring Reliable Wireless Uptime for AGV and AMR Systems As the demand for automated material handling (AMH) systems continues to rise—driven by the expansion of e-commerce and smart factories—the importance of stable wireless networks in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) has never been more significant. With AMRs projected… Read More…

  • Seamless Automation Removes Technological Boundaries

    April 16, 2025 Consistency is what distinguishes Festo – in terms of technologies and the value creation process “No matter what movement task customers approach Festo with, we can solve it. We are the only supplier to combine electrical and pneumatic automation technology that fits together seamlessly,” explains Gerhard Borho, Member of the Executive Board… Read More…