OMRON opens regional HQ at Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University has announced that OMRON has opened its new Oceania regional headquarters at the university’s Engineering Innovation Hub in Parramatta. The precinct will serve as a base for the company’s operations in the region, fostering collaboration between industry and academia. Leveraging OMRON’s 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. The facility, expected to attract up to 5000 visitors annually, will provide local industries and businesses with access to leading technology and equipment, extensive global knowledge, and a pool of highly skilled engineering talent.

The university says 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 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.

Western Sydney University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams, said the 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,” he said. “Students will now work and learn every day alongside a global leader in robotics and automation, significantly enhancing their learning experience.

“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.”

“At OMRON, our mission is to improve lives and contribute to a better society,” said Henry Zhou, Managing Director of OMRON Automation and Robotics. “Our automation solutions help people work smarter, earn more and enjoy their work.

“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.”

Image: Western Sydney University students Isabel Rahme and Luke Stojkovski, OMRON engineering trainees. Image credit: Monica Pronk.