Omron 2014 Annual Report Download - page 20

In 1960, Omron utilized transistor methodology to create
the world’s first non-contact switch. The conventional
contact switches used at that time had limits in terms
of usage periods. Omron’s non-contact switch detected
changes in metal switch positions based on magnetic
fluctuations. This functionality greatly extended the life span
of switches, thereby making large contributions to the
development of mass-produced machinery. This innovation
was born out of a team of seven young engineers with an
average age of 20.
In 1967, Omron created the world’s first fully unmanned
train station system by combining automated ticket vend-
ing machines and automated ticket gates. While punch-
hole systems existed, this was the first magnetic system.
Station workers thus became free from punching tickets.
This system also resolved the social issue of commuter
rush congestion.
Always striving to create products that offer ease to patients,
Omron successfully launched the world’s smallest*1
and
lightest*1
silent nebulizer*2 in 2002. The atomizing unit of
this device employed Omron’s unique mesh technologies
to satisfy the need for a nebulizer that could be used
anywhere, anytime with ease.
OMRON TOTAL FAIR Held in China:
Latest Technologies for the Chinese Market
Pursing growth in emerging markets is one of the
basic strategies of VG2020, and China is positioned
as a particularly crucial market. As part of our
strategies, we held the OMRON TOTAL FAIR
(OTF)̶a private exhibition designed to propose
new value to the Chinese society̶in Beijing,
Shanghai, and Guangzhou, in October and Decem-
ber 2013 and March 2014, respectively.
OTF ’s exhibits were centered on Omron’s
core
“Sensing and Control” technologies, and
“Think” technologies were also incorporated. At
OTF, we proposed products and services that
provide solutions to the issues currently faced
by China in the fields of industry, the environ-
ment, energy, society, and living conditions.
Robot That Comprehends Human Movements:
“Table Tennis Rallying Robot”
At OTF, our Table Tennis Rallying Robot gar-
nered particular attention. This robot was de-
signed to make it easy for anyone to under-
stand Omron’s“Sensing & Control + Think”
technologies. The robot works by analyzing the
movements of the opponent player as well as
the ball’s trajectory and speed through 3D image
processing. The robot continues the rally by
employing such techniques as returning balls
at the same speed as its opponent’s shot and
otherwise matching its movements to the other
player’s skill level.
Future Advances in
“Sensing & Control + Think”
As personnel expenses rise in China, the need
for technologies for reducing labor requirements
and improving efficiency will increase. The tech-
nological concept of machines that respond to
human motions has obvious applications in
industry. At the same time, this concept will
likely be used in other fields as well, such as
for nursing and housework robots.
Omron founder Kazuma Tateishi used to say,
“To the machine, the work of the machine, to
man the thrill of further creation.” We continue
to hold this philosophy close to our hearts more
than half a century later. Omron believes that,
with its future-shaping technologies, it is
not far from creating a society in which this
philosophy is realized.
New Technological Applications for Resolving Social Issues History of Resolving Social Issues with Forward-Thinking Technology
Non-Contact Switch with Long Lifespan
Fully Unmanned Train Station System for
Alleviating Commuter Rush Congestion
Nebulizer Usable from Various Angles
World ’s
First
Kita-Senri Station of Keihanshin Kyuko Railway
(currently Hankyu Railway, circa 1967)
＊1 At time of launch in 2002
＊2 Nebulizer: A medical device that allows patients to inhale medicine
to treat asthma and other respiratory diseases.
World ’s
Smallest
and
Lightest
World ’s
First
Special Feature 2 More Advanced
About Omron Where We’re Headed Corporate Value Initiatives Corporate Value Foundation Financial Section
36 Omron Corporation Integrated Report 2014 37