日经独家：欧姆龙拟约1000亿日元（6.3亿美元）收购美国工业计算机厂商OnLogic，布局Physical AI

KYOTO, Japan -- Japanese electronics maker Omron is set to acquire U.S. computer maker OnLogic as early as January for about 100 billion yen ($630.5 million), Nikkei learned on Tuesday.
Omron aims to build a platform for physical artificial intelligence that can autonomously operate production equipment by combining OnLogic's products with its own control equipment.
While the U.S. and China lead in developing generative AI, some believe that Japan can capitalize on its manufacturing expertise in the field of physical AI. Omron's mainstay products include sensors, controllers and other equipment. By combining data collected at manufacturing sites with OnLogic's computers, Omron plans to use AI to help customers boost productivity.
Founded in 2003, OnLogic develops, manufactures and sells industrial computers. These devices are designed to operate around the clock and are used to control factory equipment and process data. They are highly resistant to temperature changes and shocks, and demand for these computers is rising as factory automation advances.
Omron aims to build a physical AI platform that uses AI running on industrial computers to operate machinery and robots in coordination with its control equipment. The company envisions factories where AI independently analyzes conditions on the production floor, gives appropriate instructions to equipment and determines ways to improve operations.
The global market for industrial computers is projected to grow to 310 billion yen in 2028, according to Tokyo-based research company Fuji Keizai, up 20% from 2024. Major manufacturers include Taiwan's Advantech and Germany's Siemens.
Revenue from Omron's control equipment segment rose 12% on the year to 409.5 billion yen in the year ended March. Japan and China account for more than half of sales, while the Americas make up only about 10%, leaving room for growth.