Shipments of general-purpose industrial electrical equipment in the first half of fiscal 2026 totaled ¥411.7 billion, up 16.9% year on year and marking a positive result for the 3rd consecutive quarter. News aimed at advancing shop-floor capabilities was prominent, including the OT/IT integrated security collaboration between OMRON and NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS, the joint venture between Mitsubishi Electric and ABB, and FANUC’s planned launch of a safety software PLC. The issue also includes features on safety and predictive maintenance.
The Japan Electrical Manufacturers’ Association (JEMA) reported that shipments of general-purpose industrial electrical equipment in the first half of fiscal 2026 totaled ¥411.7 billion, up 16.9% year on year and marking positive growth for the 3rd consecutive quarter. Against a backdrop of increased data center investment, demand for power distribution equipment and power supply-related products remained firm, while a recovery in factory automation equipment was also evident. September shipments alone were also higher year on year.
OMRON and NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS will begin collaborating to provide integrated OT/IT security solutions for the industrial sector. By combining expertise in control equipment, including PLCs, sensors and drives, with NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS’s network monitoring and IT security technologies, the companies will provide integrated support from risk visualization through implementation and operation.
Mitsubishi Electric has agreed with ABB to establish a joint venture covering their power distribution and substation equipment businesses. To address data center expansion and decarbonization initiatives, the companies will integrate their product capabilities in switchboards, transformers and UPS systems with their overseas sales channels to strengthen their global operations.
FANUC plans to launch a safety software PLC for its R-50iA robot controller in January 2027. The product will incorporate a CODESYS-based software PLC, eliminating the need for an external safety PLC and providing safety control compliant with ISO 13849-1 PLe.