News


Omron launches Sysmac automation platform

December 2011 News

Omron Industrial Automation Business has announced the release of a new machine automation platform: Sysmac (system for machine automation control). Sysmac stands for one machine control through one connection and one software, and represents a milestone in Omron’s 10-year plan aiming to strengthen and globalise its position in the machine automation business segment.

The guiding principles behind the Sysmac automation platform are:

* One control for the entire machine or production cell.

* Harmony between machine and people.

* Open communication and programming standards.

The result is a powerful and robust automation platform with a new machine automation controller (Sysmac NJ), that integrates motion, sequencing, networking and vision inspection and a new software (Sysmac Studio) that includes configuration, programming, simulation and monitoring and a fast machine network (EtherCAT) to control motion, vision, sensors and actuators.

One machine controller

The heart of the new automation platform is the Sysmac NJ 501 machine automation controller, which is designed for high speed and flexibility. It incorporates an Intel processor proven for harsh industrial environments with fan-free operation and runs under the RTOS a real-time operating system. It is scalable with a choice of 16, 32 and 64 axis CPUs. A response time of less than 1 ms can be achieved for applications of up to 32 axes, unheard of with conventional hardware-based control.

One machine software

Created to give machine builders full control over the automation system, Sysmac Studio integrates configuration, programming, simulation and monitoring into one software. Sysmac Studio delivers a true integrated development environment and offer a new experience in terms of ease of use and speed of programming.

One machine network

One connection via the Sysmac NJ series controller allows seamless control and communication with both the machine and the factory. The new NJ series controllers are designed for open communication via EtherCAT, the fastest emerging network on the market for machine automation. EtherCAT is Omron’s de-facto machine network for its wide range of field and motion devices. It is a 100 Mbps industrial Ethernet network compliant with IEEE 802.3 frames, capable of handling up to 192 slaves with refresh time down to 100 μs and less than 1 μs jitter. It achieves high accuracy for multi-axis synchronisation thanks to its distributed slave clock mechanism. It is simple to set-up with automatic address assignment for slaves and cost effective to install as it uses standard shielded Ethernet cables and connectors.

In line with Omron’s social and global policy, Sysmac meets global standards such as EC Directives, cULus, Lloyd’s and NK and is designed and manufactured with clean and recyclable material.

For more information contact Terry McIntosh, Omron Electronics, 086 066 7661, [email protected], www.industrial.omron.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

The Road to the Indaba: Arthur Goldstuck on automation, AI and Africa’s industrial readiness
RX Africa News
As part of The Road to the Indaba editorial series, we turn the spotlight on Arthur Goldstuck, one of the Africa Automation Indaba 2026’s most anticipated speakers - a thought leader whose research continues to shape how industry understands technology adoption across the continent.

Read more...
The Road to the Indaba: Dr Horman Chitonge on policy, regulation and enabling Africa’s automation growth
RX Africa News
In this edition of The Road to the Indaba, the focus turns to Dr Horman Chitonge, whose expertise in economic development and public policy brings critical insight to one of the Indaba’s most important discussions.

Read more...
OMRON simplifies safety verification for SA manufacturers
Omron Electronics IT in Manufacturing
OMRON’s NX Safety platform, Online Safety Functional Test Verification is a feature built into the Sysmac Studio engineering environment. This intuitive tool allows safety verification to be carried out digitally, with step-by-step guidance and full traceability, all from a single workstation.

Read more...
Schneider Electric to become Official Energy Technology Partner of McLaren Racing
Schneider Electric South Africa News
Schneider Electric will become the Official Energy Technology Partner of McLaren Racing.

Read more...
Closing the skills gap: how WearCheck training boosts asset reliability
Wearcheck News
Condition monitoring specialist company, WearCheck is tackling the skills gap head on, offering a wide range of practical, hands-on courses that cover various topics related to condition monitoring and maintenance.

Read more...
Young SA scientists awarded medals at IRIS Global Symposium in India
News
Young local scientists have been awarded gold and silver medals at the recent Initiative for Research and Innovation in STEM global symposium in India, where they displayed their scientific brilliance.

Read more...
60 day reduction in Kriel outage earns Eskom innovation award for Steinmüller Africa
News
Steinmüller Africa’s crane-free rigging solution has shortened the Kriel Unit 6 outage by 60 days, earning the company’s site team the 2025 Eskom Kriel Managers Award for innovation.

Read more...
Buyout model for solar investment
News
Sustainable Power Solutions has introduced a buyout model that converts existing solar and battery systems into immediate capital for South African businesses.

Read more...
From the editor's desk: A tool not a crutch
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control) News
Every year, the dictionaries try to summarise a year of human behaviour with a single word, the word of the year. You can question the value of this, but it’s quite entertaining. Words are important, ...

Read more...
Timken funds Kids Haven STEM classroom
News
A bright new chapter in digital education has begun at Kids Haven with the official opening of a fully equipped STEM classroom at the Kids Haven Village. This exciting addition was generously donated by Timken South Africa and expertly installed by Breadline Africa.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved