Inside Omika Works, Hitachi's Smart Factory Solution
Hitachi Digital Services and Verizon Business have held an event at Battersea Power Station, London.
The event began with an inspiring keynote from John Volanthen, one of the divers involved in the 2018 rescue of 13 schoolboys from the Tham Luang Nang Non caves in Northern Thailand.
Following this, both companies showcased the future of smart manufacturing and engineering, highlighting their innovative solutions to an attentive audience.
Patrick Corcoran, Global Head, Analyst & Advisor Relations at Hitachi Digital Services reflected on the event on LinkedIn.
"An outstanding event with Verizon Business at the iconic Battersea Power Station (yes, it once powered 20% of London!)," Patrick said.
"The evening began with an inspiring keynote from John Volanthen, sharing his incredible story of teamwork and resilience during the Thai soccer team cave rescue.
"We then heard from my colleague Ganesh, who delivered an insightful session on #SmartFactory enablement and our #OmikaWorks factories.
"He explained how smart factories can evolve from legacy systems, middle-of-the-road setups or greenfield projects, showcasing the sector's transformative work in the space.
"Finally, Colin Wilson, wrapped up with a compelling discussion on achieving the "true north" for end-to-end connectivity.
"Proud to see Hitachi Digital Services continue to market-make with our partner Verizon Business."
In his exclusive interview with Manufacturing Digital, Ganesh explored the power of greenfield projects to drive smart factory innovation.
"We have made significant advancements in our IoT solutions. For instance, we are developing a cutting-edge Greenfield factory for rail manufacturing, which incorporates advanced technologies such as machine learning, computer vision and robotic systems," he said.
"This factory aims for a fully autonomous manufacturing process, enhancing quality inspection and operational efficiency.
"Additionally, we've created industry cloud accelerators for various sectors, including manufacturing and energy and mobility, which facilitates cloud transformation and data management.
"These innovations not only enhance our service offerings but also provide tangible benefits to our clients."
At the event with Verizon, Ganesh specifically expanded on how this relates to Hitachi Digital Services's OmikaWorks factories.
Below we highlight what makes them so special.
The features of Omika Works
Hitachi’s Omika Works is a cutting-edge manufacturing and development facility located in Hitachi City, Japan.
This is a flagship site for the company, boasting advanced production capabilities and guided by smart manufacturing principles.
Omika Works specialises in developing information and control systems, including critical infrastructure systems such as railway systems, power grids and industrial automation.
The facility embodies Hitachi’s vision of digital transformation, leveraging advanced technologies to optimise production, improve product quality and enhance sustainability.
Recently recognised as an “Advanced 4th Industrial Revolution Lighthouse” by the World Economic Forum, Omika Works is the first factory of a Japanese company to receive this label.
What OmikaWorks features
Elite smart manufacturing features
Omika Works is a model of Industry 4.0 integration, embracing big data analytics, AI and IoT to build a highly efficient manufacturing environment.
Through these technologies production processes are monitored in real time and workflows are optimised.
The subsequent predictive maintenance minimises downtime and ensures continuous production.
Omika Works extensively uses digital twins to enhance overall operations in addition to product engineering and design.
A modular production system
The facility adopts a modular production approach, where systems are divided into smaller, independently operable units.
This design not only enhances flexibility in manufacturing but also shortens the lead time required to develop and produce customised solutions for clients.
Modularisation also ensures easier scaling of production to meet varying demands.
High-level customisation
Omika Works is geared towards handling highly complex and customised projects.
For example, it manufactures large-scale control systems for railway signaling and power plants, which are tailored to meet the specific requirements of each client.
The facility uses sophisticated software to configure system parameters, ensuring precise alignment with customer needs.
Workplace collaboration
The site seeks to foster collaboration between human workers and industrial robots. Robots handle precision-based and repetitive tasks, while human workers focus on decision-making and creative problem-solving.
Assisting in this is Hitachi's Lumada platform, a suite of IoT solutions that ensure efficient data sharing and collaboration across different departments and teams.
Sustainable manufacturing
Sustainability is integral to operations at Omika Works.
The facility incorporates energy-efficient practices, including air conditioning systems, ventilation, optimised heating and the use of renewable energy sources.
Omika Works actively supports the circular economy by reusing materials and reducing waste, aligning with sustainable global initiatives such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Stringent quality assurance
Omika Works has implemented rigorous quality control measures to ensure that its products meet the highest industry standards.
Automated testing systems and AI-driven analytics help identify defects early in the production process.
The facility also conducts real-world performance testing to validate the reliability of its systems in operational conditions.
Enhanced safety and security
Given that Omika Works produces systems for critical infrastructure, ensuring safety and security is paramount.
The facility incorporates advanced cybersecurity measures to protect its products from external threats.
Omika Works's physical infrastructure also includes robust safety mechanisms to safeguard workers and equipment.
Continuous innovation
Innovation is central to Omika Works’ operations, as it showcases the future of smart manufacturing.
The site functions as both a manufacturing plant and a research and development hub.
Engineers and researchers collaborate on cutting-edge projects, focusing on areas such as AI, advanced control systems, and next-generation IoT applications.
Global impact
Omika Works plays a pivotal role in delivering products and solutions that serve critical industries worldwide.
The facility’s ability to produce bespoke solutions has made it a trusted partner for industries requiring high reliability and precision.
Hitachi's Omika Works stands out as a true embodiment of smart manufacturing.
Advanced technologies are integrated for strategic purposes like advancing sustainability, innovation and improving operations.
As a flagship site, it demonstrates Hitachi’s commitment to excellence, serving as a model for future-ready manufacturing facilities worldwide.
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