Omron | X-ON

Omron Corporation is a globally renowned Japanese electronics company recognized for its leadership in industrial automation, electronic components, and healthcare technology. Founded in 1933 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, Omron has built a legacy of technological innovation that spans decades. Its products play a crucial role in applications ranging from factory automation and healthcare monitoring to transportation and energy management systems.

With operations in over 120 countries and regions, Omron’s influence and product range have become integral to modern industrial and consumer ecosystems. The company's vision, “Improving lives and contributing to a better society,” resonates in every product and solution it develops.

A Legacy of Innovation

Omron was founded by Kazuma Tateishi in 1933 as Tateishi Electric Manufacturing Company. From its inception, the company was built on a culture of innovation and social contribution. It pioneered Japan’s first automated traffic signal in 1959 and later introduced the world’s first non-contact proximity switch—an invention that transformed industrial automation.

In 1990, the company officially changed its name to Omron Corporation, reflecting its commitment to global expansion and technological leadership.

Core Business Divisions

Omron operates through several key business segments, each focusing on distinct technological domains:

1. Industrial Automation (IA)

Omron is a global leader in industrial automation. Its portfolio includes:

1. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

2. Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs)

3. Servo Motors and Drives

4. Robotic Systems

5. Vision Systems and Sensors

These products are used extensively in manufacturing, automotive assembly lines, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and packaging. Omron’s automation solutions help increase production efficiency, precision, and safety in smart factories and Industry 4.0 environments.

2. Electronic and Mechanical Components

Omron provides a vast selection of components for circuit protection, switching, and signal integrity, including:

1. Relays

2. Switches (Tactile, DIP, Safety)

3. Connectors

4. Sensors (Photoelectric, Proximity, and Pressure)

5. MOSFETs and other semiconductors

These components are used in consumer electronics, automotive applications, energy management systems, and home appliances.

3. Healthcare Business

Omron Healthcare is a trusted name in medical devices, offering:

1. Digital Blood Pressure Monitors

2. Thermometers

3. Nebulizers

4. Body Composition Monitors

5. Pain Management Devices (TENS Units)

With a mission to “Go for Zero” heart attacks and strokes, Omron’s healthcare products aim to empower individuals to take control of their health.

4. Social Systems, Solutions and Service (SSS)

This division focuses on automation solutions for public infrastructure, including:

1. Automated Fare Collection Systems

2. Traffic Management Solutions

3. Energy Management Systems

4. Smart Grid Technologies

Omron plays a significant role in making cities smarter and more efficient.

Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability is a cornerstone of Omron’s corporate philosophy. The company integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices in all operations. Omron aims to achieve zero carbon emissions from its business operations by 2050 and actively promotes energy-efficient solutions.

Key initiatives include:

1. Using renewable energy in manufacturing facilities

2. Developing low-power consumption components

3. Promoting health awareness through healthcare solutions

Research and Development

Omron is committed to staying at the forefront of technology. The company invests heavily in R&D, with innovation centers located globally, including in Japan, the United States, Europe, and China.

Some of Omron’s notable recent innovations include:

1. AI-integrated Controllers that self-optimize production lines

2. Fifth-generation mobile robots for logistics automation

3. Edge computing sensors for real-time decision-making in smart factories

Global Reach and Partnerships

With a strong global footprint, Omron operates in over 120 countries through subsidiaries, distributors, and manufacturing units. Its global network enables it to provide localized support, timely delivery, and customization of solutions according to regional market demands.

Key global partners include:

1. Xon Electronics – A reliable supplier of Omron’s tactile switches, relays, sensors, and more.

2. Mouser Electronics, Digi-Key, and Farnell – Global electronic component distributors offering real-time inventory of Omron parts.

3. Automation system integrators and OEMs that integrate Omron solutions into various industrial systems.

Popular Product Categories

1. Tactile Switches

Omron’s B3F and B3W series tactile switches are widely used in control panels, home appliances, and automotive interfaces for their compact size, durability, and reliable tactile feedback.

2. Relays

From general-purpose to high-voltage automotive relays, Omron's products provide secure and consistent switching performance, critical in both industrial and consumer electronics.

3. Sensors

Omron’s photoelectric, proximity, and pressure sensors are designed to ensure accuracy, longevity, and reliability in complex sensing environments.

4. Automation Controllers

Omron’s NX and NJ series PLCs are among the most sophisticated programmable controllers, enabling seamless integration, motion control, and data analysis in smart factories.

Automotive Contributions

In the rapidly evolving automotive sector, Omron provides advanced solutions for:

1. Electric and hybrid vehicle systems

2. Safety and collision avoidance sensors

3. In-vehicle networking and electronics

4. Battery management and energy-efficient components

Omron’s technologies support the development of safer, more efficient, and connected vehicles.

Omron in the Era of IoT and AI

Omron is deeply invested in the convergence of AI, IoT, and automation. Through its “i-Automation!” concept, Omron promotes:

1. Integrated control: Ensuring seamless communication between machines and systems

2. Intelligent automation: Leveraging AI for predictive maintenance and adaptive processes

3. Interactive technologies: Empowering human-machine collaboration in manufacturing

These innovations are revolutionizing smart factory deployments and enhancing productivity across sectors.

Awards and Recognition

Omron has received numerous awards for excellence in technology, sustainability, and corporate governance, including:

1. Forbes “World’s Most Innovative Companies”

2. Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) Inclusion

3. Good Design Awards for Automation and Healthcare Products

Conclusion

Omron Corporation continues to be a powerhouse of innovation, combining electronics, automation, and healthcare technology with a strong ethical foundation and sustainability focus. Whether in the factory, on the road, or at home, Omron’s solutions impact millions of lives every day—enabling smarter systems, healthier lives, and a more sustainable future.

From tactile switches and sensors to smart automation and medical devices, Omron remains an indispensable partner to engineers, businesses, and consumers worldwide.