Edge controller speeds plant data-handling without special software
15 September 2025 
Omron has announced an edge controller that can collect, analyse and visualise operational data from sensors, controllers, and other factory automation devices, without needing specialised software. The DX1 data flow controller works with Omron’s Sysmac automation platform and is the company’s first industrial controller capable of collecting manufacturing data with no-code device configuration.
In recent years, says Omron, on-site data utilisation and the transition to the IoT have become increasingly important in the quest for productivity and quality. But many barriers are hindering the use of data from manufacturing sites, including issues regarding the standardisation of methods for retrieving and using data from devices and equipment, and in securing AI, IoT and other digital technologies.
The new controller comes with templates for critical indicators. A flow editor provides an at-a-glance understanding of the data flows and allows them to be created without needing any code. It can connect to PLCs from various Japanese suppliers, allowing it to be retrofitted to existing equipment, and helping to cut lead times and initial costs.
The controller allows users to connect devices to existing equipment simply by hooking them up via Ethernet cables – there is no need to install data-collection programs for sensors and controllers. Its user interface gives an at-a-glance understanding of the data processing flows, allowing you to start using data rapidly. Users can also create flows for collecting, analysing, and sending data, simply by connecting on-screen processing blocks that you want to collect or analyse.
The controller comes with templates for key indicator data used to monitor equipment, operational status, and other parameters. The data can be displayed in a tiered structure to suit the needs of users from factory managers to shopfloor workers, allowing users to drill down from a factory’s production plan targets to current equipment status.
The controller can also be customised to a site using Python and C, enabling it to connect with controllers from other manufacturers, or to perform complex calculations, for example.
The DX1 supports PLCs from several Japanese manufacturers. Users can start data collection with their equipment running, without needing any device or software replacement, even if they’re using non-Omron PLCs. The system can be retrofitted to existing equipment, and there’s no need to stop production to collect data.
Using a built-in IO-Link master, devices can be connected easily to each other, allowing data from different sensors and cameras to be retrieved directly.
