HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL—Automation equipment manufacturer Omron Automation Americas has opened a new proof-of-concept center (POCC) near the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, where integrators and manufacturers can develop and test automation before assembly-line implementation. The PoCC is the 35th such facility operated by Omron around the world. All of the centers provide hands-on technology demos, technical training, industry/application expertise, and feasibility studies for advanced sensing, robotics and automation technologies.

"Today's manufacturers face many challenges, including a rapidly changing environment which requires agility and flexibility. We understand that existing production set-ups are complicated, and changing them can be a huge investment" says Robb Black, president and CEO of Omron Automation Americas. "The Omron PoCC in Dallas/Fort Worth bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing peace of mind that the solution will work in new and existing applications."

Each POCC serves local companies. They invest 7 percent annually into R&D, enabling Omron to demonstrate how it is committed to developing technology and innovation. Omron owns the technology behind more than 200,000+ products.

"As a solution partner, it's critical that we have the capabilities and facilities to co-develop and realize innovation with our customers where they operate," says Black. "[The] PoCCs are where our customers can test solutions in realistic environments and see how they make machines, production lines, and even whole enterprises safer and more efficient. But most importantly, it's where our engineers, customers, and integrators come together locally to collaborate, brainstorm, and innovate."

Omron's product offerings include sensing, control, safety, vision, motion and robotics. Established in 1933 and currently headed by President Yoshihito Yamada, Omron's 30,000 employees help businesses in more than 110 countries.