Since its inception in 1933, Omron has become one of the leading innovators in design and manufacturing across a wide range of industries. From factory automation to healthcare, Omron’s skilled engineers have been hard at work developing new and improved products to suit the needs of nearly any developer. One of the fastest growing industries in terms of innovation is Smart Home and Building (SHB). As the world continues to adapt to global changes in how to operate day-to-day in the home and the office, as well as the ever-changing workforce, there has been an increased focus in products that can help automate regular maintenance and prevent workflow interruptions. Omron has plans underway for three key products that can assist with a variety of issues that may interrupt workflow and compromise worker safety, in a project called Irregular Event Zero.
Motor Condition Monitoring Device
One product currently under development is a Motor Condition Monitoring Device, designed with large machinery in mind, particularly within the HVAC, Elevator, and Industrial building marketplace. Under normal operating conditions, machines will wear over time with regular use, or can be damaged in the event of some irregular activity such as a storm or power outage. Oftentimes, this wear can go unnoticed by regular operators, or may not be detected until machines go under some form of routine inspection, which may not take place for several months. Too long, and the wear may trigger a severe breakdown that can interrupt workflow and cause a dangerous scenario for workers and other nearby persons.
In addition, the Motor Condition Monitoring Device is intended to be a cost-effective solution to help detect machine irregularities before disaster takes place. Consequently, this can help ensure worker safety, and prevent workflow from being interrupted and/or redirected from key operations. The device can detect subtle vibration changes from normal operation, and can send Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals to workers to quickly alert them in the event of operation irregularity. The device will also have advantages in being easy to install vs other similar products currently existing for reading motor condition.
In-Helmet Environment Sensor
Using similar technology to Omron’s current environment sensor, in the 2JCIE part series, engineers are developing an in-helmet module designed for workers in the field in remote locations. Some workers may be subject to harsh weather conditions, and not close to proper transport and care in the event of an emergency. The in-helmet module will be designed to read for key environment conditions such as temperature, humidity, and vibration (such as in the event of a fall), and alert the user via BLE if conditions become too harsh. The sensor can also be linked to a larger network, so that a central office may also be able to see if workers’ conditions are too dangerous, or if a worker may have fallen.
Full Room Monitoring Device
Lastly, Omron is looking to combine many of its existing technologies into a full room monitoring device best fit for monitoring areas with sensitive equipment, such as server rooms or storage facilities with sensitive equipment. The sensors combined would be able to detect temperature, humidity, moisture, electronic discharge, and human activity to ensure safety for equipment and workers alike. The sensors will not only be able to keep equipment safe, but also allow for ensuring that there is no unexpected human activity within these areas.
