Omron partners with Western Sydney University to develop ground-breaking Factory of the Future

Omron partners with Western Sydney University to develop ground-breaking Factory of the Future

Omron and Western Sydney University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at developing new technologies to propel Australian manufacturing to new heights.

We’re collaborating to build Factory of the Future facilities that focus on national priorities such as advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, and health.

Through this exciting collaboration Australian businesses and students can discover emerging technologies and gain valuable hands-on experience.

And with a combined global presence, the partnership will further connect students and industries worldwide.

"Western Sydney University (WSU) is excited to partner with a pioneering technology and robotics leader such as Omron,” says Don Wright, Executive Director, Enterprise (Research, Enterprise and International), WSU.

“Through the partnership WSU is looking forward to accelerating innovation in the Western Sydney region which will include developing access to advanced industrial technology for our students and helping to grow the STEM workforce.

“The partnership will also be an excellent opportunity to jointly showcase leading edge advanced manufacturing technologies to industry in Western Sydney including start-up and SME companies."

Close working relationship

Omron Oceania Managing Director, Henry Zhou says OMRON has enjoyed a close working relationship with WSU in recent years.

“This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will further strengthen our great partnership,” Mr Zhou says.

“Omron is committed to supporting the education sector to improve lives and contribute to a better society.

“We want to make robotics and automation more accessible and affordable for students and industry.

“At the same time, we want to encourage more young people to consider a career in this exciting field and enrol in STEM courses.

“We look forward to working with the WSU team on developing an innovative Factory of the Future, upskilling and reskilling the engineering workforce as well as joint R&D and complementary projects.”

Enriching the future

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing was also witnessed by Don Teng, Omron Asia Pacific Group Managing Director who remarked:

“Omron Vision is designed to enrich the future for People, Industries, and the Globe through

Innovative Automation so we hope such a pay-it forward initiative can contribute to enriching students at the University.

“With our Automation & Robotics technology they can address social issues such as the diminishing skilled work force in Australia manufacturing. At the same time, they can pioneer innovation in advanced manufacturing that Australia is envisaging.”

Driving investment in our future

Luat Nguyen, Business Development Manager for Omron in NSW, ACT & WA, says the MOU is a big win for students, WSU, Omron and local industry.

“These partnerships are needed to drive investment in our future,” says Mr Nguyen.

“Not only do they help to accelerate our capabilities and boost Australia’s economy, they provide innovative jobs and opportunities for our younger generation.

“I started my engineering degree at Western Sydney University and I’m proud to be an alumni, seeing what WSU has become.”

Omron Automation and Robotics has been collaborating with WSU since 2020.

When the Covid pandemic was at its peak, Omron worked with WSU to develop a remote connectivity PLC course to keep their mechatronic program running smoothly.

This technology also allows students to learn remote access and virtual network computing.

More recently, Omron has assisted WSU with advanced robotics technology for their research programs as well as robotics courses for students enrolled in advanced manufacturing degrees.