Nakamichi Noriaki, general manager of Omron (China) Co Ltd

What are some highlights from your exhibits at the China International Import Expo? Are you launching any new products, technologies or solutions?

Omron brings world-leading factory automation technology and solutions to CIIE 2018. Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records, the Ping-Pong robot FORPHEUS represents Omron's advancing AI and FA technology. Based on Omron's core technology "Sensing & Control + Think", FORPHEUS is able to make highly accurate trajectory predictions in milliseconds, memorizing player characteristics. Through ping-pong matches, FORPHEUS can not only boost player motivation and techniques, but also embodies the concept of "harmony", where machines can enhance human ability. It shows "a future of integration between people and machines". The core technology of FORPHEUS can be applied in other industrial manufacturing systems and FA solutions, which are constantly advancing technological innovation at the manufacturing site. Omron endeavors to promote the transformation and evolution of the manufacturing industry in China.

In terms of deals, what do you expect from the CIIE? Whom are you targeting?

Factory automation is the core business of Omron. Thanks to the innovation and solutions we bring to manufacturers, Omron is widely trusted by customers and has cooperated with more than 110,000 manufacturing partners around the world. CIIE is an important platform for Omron to demonstrate our unique "i-Automation" concept, industrial robotics and solutions which would contribute to the transformation and upgrade of the manufacturing industry. CIIE also provides a real opportunity for Omron to meet and deepen understanding our Chinese partners. We look forward to the vivid and in-depth showcase of Omron's FA technology in this event, which we believe will enhance our connections with Chinese manufacturing peers. Omron is actively supporting the China Manufacturing 2025 initiative, and we sincerely expect more opportunities to provide our world-leading products and services to more Chinese partners in the future.

Do you think CIIE could eventually help drive the development or upgrade of the industry your company is in, and your company's strategy in China?

Intelligent manufacturing development and innovation at the manufacturing site are hot topics around the globe. The Chinese government is striving to create an intelligent, automated and provincialized the manufacturing industry. The smart and high-end equipment exhibition area in CIIE demonstrates the government's determination for manufacturing industry transformation. Omron believes CIIE is a great venue to open to the world, and introduce more world-leading technologies to help realize the China Manufacturing 2025 initiative. China is one of the most important marketplaces for Omron's business development. Thus, Omron will continue to plan deployment to meet growing demands for factory automation in the local market, and provide better services to them. In June 2017, Omron announced its decision to construct the OMS 2nd Factory in Shanghai, and introduced new production lines of industrial robots at the currently existing factory. Our initiative will ramp up production capacity and provide integrated FA industrial robot solutions to Chinese partners, thereby contributing to China Manufacturing 2025.

What's your view on China's pledge to further open up its markets to foreign companies? How would that benefit your business? Please give specific examples.

Omron has been in China for more than 40 years, with 28 legal entities throughout the country. Thanks to China's reform and opening-up policy, we've built a comprehensive management system from design and production to sales and service. We have more than 11,000 employees serving our Chinese customers. China's further opening up to the world will not only offer us a great opportunity to introduce the world's most advanced FA solutions to Chinese partners, but also provide leading technology and services to more local customers. We would love to join hands and develop together with China, and also expect growth for our business in this market.

What is your forecast for China's economy in the next three years? What key issues will you be watching for?

We wanted to introduce "SINIC theoretics", which Omron considers the general theory to apply to the economy development process. "SINIC theoretics" is also an epochal future prediction theory and guidance for Omron with social changes and economic development in China. "SINIC theoretics" assumes a circular relationship among science, technology and society, which mutually affect and contribute to revolutionary changes. Based on "SINIC theoretics", Omron developed the unique technology "Sensing & Control + Think". In the future, Omron will focus on four fields to promote societal development — Factory automation, Healthcare, mobility and energy management. These industries are also where Omron expects to see great development.

In terms of the organization of the CIIE, and the event's liaison services, what impresses you the most? Why?

CIIE is a well-organized fair. We can truly feel the Chinese government's attention during this event. We appreciate that the organizer is providing diverse coverage opportunities to exhibitors, which can enhance our impression in China. Also, we are impressed by the arrangement of comprehensive workshops and forums, which offer good opportunities for foreign companies to meet more potential Chinese partners.

What do you think of CHINA DAILY's coverage of the CIIE?

China Daily is one of the most important media outlets in China. Omron is honored to join this coverage and willing to provide more in-depth interview opportunities to you.