OMRON Corporation will be releasing this month its new NX1-series Machine Automation Controller, which will boost productivity and leverage information. The NX-HAD4 High-speed Analog Input Unit and the NX-SL6 Safety CPU Unit can be used with the NX1 Series, helping address manufacturing innovation challenges, such as strengthening the quality control and flexible safety measures.

Although sharing information in an easy and secure manner between manufacturing sites and host IT systems is necessary, high-speed processing of a large amount of data by a controller increases control cycle time and discourages productivity improvements. On one hand, high speed and precision are required for industrial networks at production sites, while on the other hand, high-level security is required for connection to host IT systems. This results in a significant barrier to interconnectivity of networks.

The NX1 Series has been designed to collect synchronized data from sensors, servomotors and units mounted to the controlled within the same fixed cycle time. Thanks to OMRON’s unique technology, the controller can send the collected data to the host IT while maintaining control performance.

Three industrial Ethernet ports-EtherNet/IP and EtherCAT ports-and an OPCA UA server interface for IIoT for industrial automation and industrial technology are housed in a compact design with a width of 66mm. This connectivity allows the use of IT at production sites and offers easy and secure connection to host IT systems. Moreover, the database connection model can directly store production data in databases without the use of a PC or middleware, enabling real-time and reliable traceability of all products.

By combining the NX1 Series with the NX-HAD4 High-speed Analog Input Unit, the technology can be used for inspections by high-speed sampling of analog data, which previously required the use of special inspection machines. If connected with the NX-SL5 Safety CPU Unit, the NX1 Series integrates safety control of production lines and machines. The integrated safety and modularised safety control programs eliminate the need for reprogramming when the line layout is changed; therefore achieving flexible production and safety.