Omron’s EtherCat solutions and Internet of Things (IOT) devices will take centre stage at the African Automation Fair (AAF) from 6 to 8 June 2017 at Ticketpro Dome in North Riding, Johannesburg. In particular, a new IOT EtherCat module will be launched.

There will also be a strong emphasis on Omron’s Sysmac motion solutions, comprising robotics and visual inspection control, Victor Marques, Country General Manager, highlights. “Historically, AAF has always had a good reach into all of our relevant industries. Of course, we also have the correct target market attending our stand.”

The scope of AAF 2017 has evolved with the inclusion of IOT as one of the latest and most pervasive trends in the automation industry. This is an exciting outcome of the digital revolution that is changing the way we live and work, according to exhibition organiser Reed Exhibitions.

Many organisations already focus on how to benefit from it, but extracting maximum value requires a big data approach. AAF 2017 provides a platform where industrial automation and this digital revolution converge; and where operations technology and information technology blend together to become more intelligent.

Marques highlights that Omron’s presence will appeal directly to customers on the lookout for cost-effective and highly-innovative solutions that meet, and even exceed, their requirements. “We are looking to target OEMs in particular, and food & beverage end-user customers,” Marques points out.

The Omron product range on display at AAF 2017 includes Sysmac motion and PLC control, NX remote I/O, vision systems, safety products, servos, Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), Human Machine Interface (HMI), and general control components.

The benefit of attending such an exhibition is that customers can approach Omron in a more informal, yet professional, manner with specific solutions enquiries. “This is opposed to us approaching our customers to create avenues of business success, a traditional route that is not always as effective.”

This added value in terms of face-to-face interaction with its customers has resulted in Omron being a loyal exhibitor at AAF since 2011, when it was originally known as The Process Show.

“We have strong experience and references in areas such as motion and drive control, PLCs and HMI, automation networks, and visual inspection control and robotics,” Marques reiterates. Omron Field Sales Engineers will man the stand at AAF 2017 to familiarise customers with the latest technology.

“We will also have Application Engineers on hand with a wealth of experience to field high-end technical questions. Different managers will also be present on different days to showcase our commitment in meeting our customers’ needs from the top down,” Marques concludes.