Epson Expands Its Robot Lineup

Seiko Epson Corporation (TSE: 6724, “Epson”) will exhibit prototypes of three new models of industrial robots developed to meet the wide-ranging needs of manufacturers. Prototypes of the vertically articulated N6 and VT6 robots and the T6 SCARA robot will be shown at International Robot Exhibition (iREX) 2017, which will run from November 29 through December 2. Epson plans to launch sales of these robots in fiscal year 2018.

Epson’s N series of compact 6-axis robots is capable of performing tasks in tight spaces more efficiently than earlier robots thanks to a uniquely engineered “folding” arm. The N6, which will join the N2 in the N series, was developed to meet the needs of customers who want to transport relatively heavy objects and transport objects over a wide area. Floor-mounted, the N6 has a 6-kg payload capacity and an arm length of 1,000 mm, both considerably larger than the N2. The N6 is ideal for tasks such as loading and unloading electronic components and automotive parts to and from test equipment or shelving and removing medical products. It can reach a wide range of places such as high and low shelves using a smaller installation footprint than earlier 6-axis robots. These features will enable the robot to increase productivity and the efficiency with which factory space is used.

Engineered for maximum usability and a low total cost of ownership (TCO), the 6-axis VT6 is built to automate simple, repetitive material handling tasks that humans find tedious. Manufacturers have been reluctant to automate material handling tasks that add little value because of the expense and trouble involved in building production lines. Epson is bringing down this barrier with the affordably priced and easy to install VT6. Drawing on the miniature controller technology it developed for its T series of SCARA robots, Epson equipped this entry-level robot with a built-in controller. Among the many possible uses for this robot are machine tending applications in which components or workpieces are loaded into and unloaded from test equipment.

Equipped with a built-in controller, the T series of SCARA robots are designed for installation simplicity and maximum usability. They are ideal for automating simple material handling tasks. The T6 has doubled the payload capacity (6 kg) of Epson’s T3 robot and thus can transport larger, heavier objects. This robot can be outfitted with heavy end-effectors, such as dual end-effectors that can hold two objects at once, to help manufacturers increase factory productivity.