Omron has announced the global release of its new NX1 series machine automation controller.
Simultaneously, the NX-HAD4xx high-speed analog unit and the NX-SL5xxx Safety CPU Unit will be introduced. These can be used in combination with the NX1 series, providing solutions to production innovation challenges, including strengthening quality control and flexible safety measures.
Manufacturers are now implementing visualization of machine and process status and predictive maintenance to prevent downtime, and are looking for other ways to use information to further improve productivity.
It is necessary to easily and securely collect and store huge amounts of data from production sites in the host IT systems.
However, there is a trade-off between increasing control cycle time and maintaining and improving productivity when controllers in production machines process large amounts of data at high speeds.
Furthermore, on the one hand, high speed and precision are required for industrial networks at production sites. On the other hand, high-level security is required for connection to host IT systems. This results in a significant barrier to network interconnectivity.
In these circumstances, the NX1 series is designed to collect synchronous data from sensors, servo motors and modules connected to the controller, which operate within the same fixed cycle time. Thanks to Omron's unique multi-core technology that provides machine control and performs high-speed data processing tasks at the same time.
This controller can transmit the synchronized data to the host IT system while maintaining the control performance. The NX1 series has three built-in industrial Ethernet ports - EtherNet/IP and EtherCAT ports - and an OPC UA server interface for IoT for industrial automation and information technology.
This connectivity enables IT to be used at production sites and easy and secure connection to host IT systems. The database connection model can store production data directly in databases without using PCs or middleware, enabling real-time and reliable traceability of all products and improving quality control.
The NX1 series in combination with the NX-HAD4xx high-speed analog input unit can be used for inspections with high-speed sampling of analog data. Previously, special inspection machines were required. Users can improve product quality without special skills.
Connected with the NX-SL5xxx Safety CPU Unit, the NX1 series integrates the safety control of production lines and machines. The integrated safety and modular safety control programs eliminate the need for reprogramming when the line layout is changed. Flexible production and safety can be achieved.
