Global technology leader showcases harmony between humans and machines with innovative solutions for industrial and consumer applications in inaugural appearance at CES

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- OMRON Corporation, a world leader in technology, is showcasing its latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, automation and sensing and control at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. OMRON Corp.'s inaugural booth at CES focuses on the harmony that can be achieved between humans and machines with interactive demonstrations showing how technological innovation can effectively meet business and societal challenges. Exhibits at the OMRON CES booth include a mobility demo for automotive driver safety, a sustainable platform for efficient energy consumption, and the U.S. debut of FORPHEUS - the world's first AI-equipped table tennis tutor.

"OMRON believes that technology can be a trusted part of the solution to address social issues, improve our lives and build a better tomorrow. We're excited to be at CES, to show our presence and investment in the U.S., to exhibit our work on advanced technologies and to connect with potential partners and top tech talent who want to be part of the thrilling work we're doing in AI, robotics, automation, sensing and control," said Nigel Blakeway, president and CEO of OMRON Management Center of America, Inc.

OMRON has a recognized heritage of influence and innovation. The company invented the first automated cash dispenser, automated traffic control systems, facial recognition sensing and a distance warning system for automobiles, and is the global market leader in home blood pressure monitoring technology.

"While not everyone in the U.S. is familiar with OMRON, it's very likely they have interacted with our technologies like our facial recognition image sensing which is in more than 500 million devices worldwide," said Blakeway. "We're looking forward to connecting with new partners and talent at CES, showing them what OMRON is all about, and inspiring them to work with us as we grow in the U.S."

Visitors to OMRON's booth, #25541, at the Las Vegas Convention Center take an engaging interactive tour of five areas: rediscovering artificial intelligence, reinventing automation, rethinking mobility, redefining wellness and reshaping environments.

Artificial Intelligence & FORPHEUS

State-of-the-art AI is a key component of OMRON's core technology "Sensing & Control + Think" and part of multiple OMRON technologies on display at CES, including FORPHEUS. The AI-equipped robot demonstrates how OMRON technologies come together to create machines which work in harmony with humans, helping to enhance and extend human capabilities. OMRON technologies that make up FORPHEUS including sensing, control, artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics.

Rather than competing with a human opponent in table tennis, FORPHEUS judges the skill level of his partner and adjust his play to help promote longer rallies, coaching and encouraging the human player throughout their match.

FORPHEUS has a three-camera system to identify the ball and evaluate players, a high-speed robotic arm that moves in response to its AI controller, trajectory prediction, a motion controller "brain" which tells it how to hit the ball and machine learning to evaluate his opponents' capabilities.

While FORPHEUS has made other appearances worldwide, CES marks his U.S. debut. New features of FORPHEUS this year include the ability to toss and serve, the ability to predict a smash based on the movements the other player and the ability to produce sounds appropriate to the state of the match.

"FORPHEUS is far more than a just 'ping-pong'-playing robot," said Deron Jackson, chief technical officer of OMRON Adept Technologies. "He is the embodiment of OMRON integrated technologies, and an exciting illustration of how intelligent machines can help develop and support human potential."

Mobility

OMRON also is putting artificial intelligence to work to promote automotive safety. As automated vehicle technology accelerates toward commercial availability, and traditional vehicles are more connected than ever before, OMRON introduces a combination of AI, machine learning and facial recognition technology that helps keep drivers safe.

OMRON's driver seat demo at CES provides a hands-on experience with mobility systems that monitor a driver's suitability to drive. The mobility demonstration features the world's first technology for detection of early-stage drowsiness through the measurement of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) without the need for a special device.

The groundbreaking OMRON VOR technology can detect early-stage signs of drowsiness by sensing eye movements using a remotely installed automotive camera. While other current technology typically observes blinking to detect drowsy driving, OMRON's new technology observes the correlation between head and eye movements - a reflex motion that is difficult for drivers to control.

This technology enables simultaneous measurement of the driver's gaze angle and 3-D eye position using a single camera for highly precise gaze detection with accuracy of plus or minus 1 degree. By understanding where the driver is looking OMRON's VOR system can detect signs of drowsiness one to two minutes before the driver is even aware he or she feels sleepy, and promote safe driving.

These new technologies are based on OKAO™ Vision, OMRON's high-precision facial recognition technology.

"Artificial intelligence identifies the expression and attitude of the driver and analyzes that data over time to determine if the driver is paying attention to the road or incapacitated. The car can accordingly enact safety measures, like automatic control, warnings or actions to make our roads safer," said Jackson.

Factory Automation
At CES OMRON will feature smart factory automation technology, which helps manufacturers maximize productivity from both equipment and employees. The display at CES demonstrates innovative-Automation with vision-guided robotics, sensing, safety and controls with AI in harmony with humans in a modernized production cell. Visitors will interact with OMRON's globally safety-rated robots, which help manufacturers meet the growing demand for mass-customization in consumer and industrial goods. OMRON's innovative-Automation approach is: integrated evolution of high-precision, high-speed manufacturing; more intelligent controls and data analysis; and a more interactive & collaborative relationship between robots and people on the manufacturing floor.

"Our factory automation is designed to promote greater productivity and flexibility in manufacturing while contributing to a safer environment for workers," said Blakeway.

Energy Management
OMRON is creating a sustainable energy platform for the future via technology for efficient energy consumption and the distribution of green energy. At CES, OMRON is showcasing solutions for optimization of residential solar energy, including its Smart Inverter with storage battery.

OMRON Smart Inverters effectively convert solar output (direct current) into AC power for use in homes. OMRON's Smart Inverter will be the only commercially available transformer-less inverter in the market that prevents photovoltaic (PV) degradation due to PID. The inverter is equipped with battery storage to enable energy use after dark or during peak demand times, when electricity costs are higher.

Advanced OMRON sensing technology can also measure and track temperature, humidity, airflow, and collect data to help manage and distribute energy resources efficiently. OMRON advanced sensors enable residential, corporate, and industrial facilities to regulate energy use, reduce their overall energy consumption, and create comfortable and productive environments.

Healthcare
OMRON Healthcare has made its mission Going for Zero, the elimination of heart attack and stroke. The company makes highly accurate blood pressure monitors that are more mobile, portable and connected than ever before. The latest in-market devices will be on display in the OMRON booth at the Convention Center, while OMRON Healthcare's booth (43722) at the Sands Expo provides an expansive view of breakthrough new heart health technologies, including the first-ever wearable blood pressure monitor to utilize FDA-standard oscillometric measurement.

"For four days, Las Vegas will be the epicenter of the tech universe," said Blakeway. "OMRON is excited to be there for the first time to share our vision of a world in which humans and machines are working together in harmony for the benefit of society."

CES runs from January 9 through January 12, 2018. Exhibit hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on January 9; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. January 10-11 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on January 12.

About OMRON Corporation
OMRON Corporation is a global leader in the field of automation based on its core technology of "Sensing & Control + Think." Established in 1933, OMRON has about 36,000 employees worldwide, working to provide products and services in 117 countries. The company's business fields cover a broad spectrum, ranging from industrial automation and electronic components to automotive electronics, social infrastructure systems, healthcare, and environmental solutions. For more information, visit OMRON's website: http://www.omron.com/.