Leading robotics innovator OMRON opens new regional HQ at Western Sydney University’s Engineering Innovation Hub
Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO; Professor Deborah Sweeney, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President, Research, Enterprise and Global; OMRON, Group Managing Director Asia Pacific, Don Teng; and OMRON, Managing Director of Automation and Robotics, Henry Zhou
OMRON, a global leader in robotics and automation, has partnered with Western Sydney University to drive innovation and strengthen Western Sydney as a key hub for digital transformation and advanced manufacturing.
OMRON announced the opening of its new Oceania regional headquarters at Western Sydney University’s Engineering Innovation Hub in Parramatta. This state-of-the-art precinct will serve as a base for the company’s operations in the region, fostering collaboration between industry and academia. Leveraging OMRON’s advanced technologies and solutions, the expansion is projected to contribute over $150 million to the local economy over the next five years.
In a first for Oceania, OMRON will also officially launch its Proof of Concept (PoC) Centre on the ground floor of the Hub in early 2025. This cutting-edge facility, expected to attract up to 5,000 visitors annually, will provide local industries and businesses with access to leading technology and equipment, extensive global knowledge, and a robust pool of highly skilled engineering talent.
The partnership will provide students with valuable opportunities, including internships for undergraduates, advanced research projects, guest lectures, workshops, and industry showcase events. These initiatives will significantly enhance the University’s Work Integrated Learning program, offering STEM students hands-on experience and fostering direct connections with industry. This approach not only boosts students’ practical skills but also ensures they are well-prepared for future careers in innovation-driven fields.
Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, said Western Sydney University was pleased to welcome OMRON to the Engineering Innovation Hub.
“This transformative collaboration between OMRON and Western Sydney University is a game changer for students in our STEM-based degree programs such as engineering and computer science. Western students will now work and learn everyday alongside a global leader in robotics and automation, significantly enhancing their learning experience,” said Professor Williams.
“By fostering knowledge sharing and skills development, this collaboration will have a far-reaching impact—benefiting not only our students, staff, researchers, and alumni, but also industry and the broader community, driving innovation and supporting economic growth, in particular further driving Western Sydney’s dynamic growth of advanced manufacturing.”
Western Sydney University students Isabel Rahme and Luke Stojkovski, OMRON Engineering Trainees
Henry Zhou, Managing Director of OMRON Automation and Robotics, voiced strong support for the Vice-Chancellor’s remarks.
“At OMRON, our mission is to improve lives and contribute to a better society,” said Mr Zhou. “Our automation solutions help people work smarter, earn more, and enjoy their work.”
He highlighted that OMRON’s Proof of Concept Centre and engineering expertise, together with Western Sydney University’s R&D strengths and talent pool, will enhance their ability to deliver world-class engineering services to customers.
“This partnership aims to revolutionise the local manufacturing landscape, foster innovation, address industry skill shortages, and create a competitive edge in engineering education both locally and internationally,” he added.
OMRON’s presence at the Engineering Innovation Hub will include:
- Technology Demonstration and Proof of Concept Centre (Ground Floor): A dedicated space where OMRON will demonstrate how leading technologies can be applied across diverse industry sectors. Customers will have the opportunity to collaborate with experts to develop tailored solutions using the latest equipment.
- Engineering and Training Centre (First Floor): A hub for professional training, hands-on experience, and seminars to share globally proven expertise. In addition, the centre will focus on transforming innovative applications into standardised solutions and machines that can be scaled across industries worldwide.
- Business and R&D Centre (Seventh Floor): OMRON’s Oceania business operations headquarters, including its research and development initiatives, where the company will partner with universities, customers, and government entities to support PhD candidates working on breakthrough industrial projects.
As one of the World’s Top 100 Innovators for the eighth consecutive year, OMRON empowers people globally through its pioneering work in Automation, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Sensing, and Controls, built upon over 90 years of innovation.
OMRON Engineering Trainee, Isabel Rahme; Professor Andy Marks, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Strategy, Government and Alliances; Executive Director of the Centre for Western Sydney; OMRON, Managing Director of Automation and Robotics, Henry Zhou; Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott AO; OMRON, Group Managing Director Asia Pacific, Don Teng; Don Wright, Executive Director Launch Pad; and OMRON Engineering Trainee, Luke Stojkovski
ENDS
2 December 2024
Ali Sardyga, Senior Media Officer
Photo credit: Monica Pronk
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