OMRON Launches Robotic Integrated Controller
- By MT Bureau
- August 31, 2020
To help customers improve the speed and accuracy of their production, simulate entire production equipment without having to deploy physical equipment, simplify maintenance, and reduce time-to-market during the design, planning, commissioning, and changeover processesOMRON launches World's First1 "Robotic Integrated Controller
With this, OMRON, the global leader in industrial automation solutions, is now able to provide a highly automated manufacturing site which does not require over-dependency on human resources due to the COVID-19 circumstances.
At the heart of the new platform is a new machine controller, which offers real-time synchronization between all automation equipment, including robots, vision components, drives, and safety equipment. The new NJ501-R controller is based on OMRON's industry leading NJ series of machine controllers for industrial automation. By using the "Robotic Integrated Controller," it has become possible to automate advanced and complex manual work that had been previously completed by human workers. Also, users may now simulate the design and modification of production facilities in a virtual environment, establish equipment, and conduct maintenance remotely.
Industries are facing labor shortage issues in recent years, moreover, the world is experiencing a major turning point with how society conducts business due to new global health concerns. Employees throughout the world must maintain social distancing in manufacturing sites, limit business trips, and work remotely. As a result, the demand of more advanced automation by robots has been increasing, along with a growing demand for digitalization.
Traditionally, automation equipment for production facilities has typically been controlled by a number of different controllers creating a major challenge to setup and coordinate the speed and timing between various devices. Until recently, it has been extremely difficult to automate human tasks that are sophisticated and complex. Also, it was very difficult to verify a process design in advance and with a high level of accuracy prior to construction of a machine or larger production line. After the equipment is commissioned, adjustments need to be made onsite and backtracking and specification changes are common, resulting in a huge number of man-hours.
Kia India Partners ASDC For Promoting Skill Training
- By MT Bureau
- August 11, 2025
Kia India, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer in the country, has signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with ASDC (Automotive Skill Development Council) to promote automotive skill training in the country.
The partnership will promote a 30-day training model module combining classroom-based theoretical learning and practical on-the-job experience. The course includes 15 days of foundational training at ASDC-certified training centers covering core automotive concepts and dealership functions. In addition, it will also feature Kia-specific process to familiarise candidates with brand standards, systems and product knowledge. The curriculum will provide students with 15 days of experiential learning at authorised Kia dealerships under expert supervision.
Joonsu Cho, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, said, “This collaboration with ASDC represents a pivotal step in Kia India’s commitment to shaping a future-ready ecosystem, one that is anchored in skilled human capital and elevated customer experience. By creating a robust talent pool through structured training and certification, we are not only empowering India’s youth with meaningful employment but also reinforcing our dealer network with professionals who embody Kia’s values of quality, care, and innovation. Ultimately, this initiative will translate into a more seamless, informed, and rewarding journey for every Kia customer across the country.”
The co-developed learning model aims to provide candidates with the technical know-how and workplace readiness to be effective from day one. Upon successful completion of the program, candidates will undergo an evaluation at the ASDC centre, get certificate jointly awarded by Kia India and ASDC, and eligible for the direct recruitment by Kia dealerships into Sales and Service roles.
Refex eVeelz Is Now Refex Mobility, Anirudh Arun Appointed CEO
- By Nilesh Wadhwa
- August 11, 2025
Chennai-based electric mobility solutions provider Refex eVeelz has been rebranded as Refex Mobility, along with the appointment of Anirudh Arun as its new CEO and Ankit Grover as Chief Business Officer.
The company currently has over 1,400 electric vehicle plying across Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. Its focus remains on employee transportation, airport transfers and long-term rentals. Interestingly, the company claims to have grown its fleet from a modest 400 cars in FY2024 to over 1,400 at present.
In terms of finances, the company had a turnover of INR 370 million last year, and reported a net loss of about INR 260 million. But now the company is working on streamlining its operations, expanding deeper into the geographies it serves and further make inroads with new customers.
“Mobility is more than just getting from point A to B – it’s about trust, dignity and dependability. Our vision at Refex is to build a fleet and service culture where customers, drivers, and partners all experience that trust every single day,” said Arun.
The rebranding exercise also sees a new visual language compromising of new redesigned logo, a modern app icon and new vehicle decals.
While at present, Refex Mobility only has a fleet of electrified vehicles, it may also look at other alternative sustainable fuel mix to provide cleaner transportation solutions.
Mahindra Logistics Expands Alyte Ride-Hailing Service For B2C Customers
- By MT Bureau
- August 11, 2025
Mahindra Logistics, one of India’s largest integrated logistics and mobility solutions providers, has launched ‘Alyte’, which it said is a premium and tech-enabled B2C mobility service.
Alyte will provide airport-to-city, in-city travel and outstation rides starting with Delhi-NCR region, with planned expansions across Noida International Airport, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and other key metropolitan cities.
The company shared that while Alyte has been providing Enterprise solutions for corporate customers, it now will expand its offerings to the B2C (business to consumer) and airport travel service.
It offers assured rides, transparent surge-free pricing, zero cancellations and a premium in-ride experience delivered by well-trained chauffeurs. The service is supported by a 24x7 customer support – with no bots – and live GPS tracking to enhance safety.
Alyte rides can be booked through the newly launched company’s mobile app. To begin with there are two ride options being offered – Prive and Select.
Under Alyte Prive customers will get premium electric vehicles, while Alyte Select features sedans and SUVs.
Hemant Sikka, Managing Director & CEO, Mahindra Logistics, said, “India’s mobility ecosystem stands at an inflection point – demanding new standards in safety, comfort, reliability, and service excellence. With Alyte, we are building on a trusted legacy to reimagine urban and airport mobility through a premium, tech-enabled platform that shapes the future of people mobility”.
Ola Electric To Unveil India Inside Vision On 15th August
- By MT Bureau
- August 06, 2025
Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker Ola Electric is set to host its annual event ‘Sankalp’ on 15 August, at its Gigafactory in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu.
At the event, the company shared that it will unveil its ‘India Inside’ vision across products and technologies. This year, Ola Electric has made its event public inside the Gigafactory, which will be live-streamed on its official channels with more details to be announced soon.
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