The robots can oversee 4 kg and 8 kg payloads.
Epson Robots recently shared six new robots that can work with 4 kg and 8 kg payloads and have arm lengths that range from 250 mm to 650 mm. The Selective Compliance Assembly (or Articulated) Robotic Arm (SCARA) robots can perform assembly, pick and place, and complete small parts handling tasks in cycle times between 0.28 and 0.35 seconds. The GX robots are targeted towards manufacturers of medical devices, electronics and consumer electronics.
“The GX4 and GX8 SCARA robots allow users to manage robotic solutions powerfully and with a compact footprint. Integration with Epson RC+ software helps manufacturers get the most out of their robots in terms of simplicity and performance,” said Scott Marsic, group product manager, Epson Robots.
Features of the new SCARA robots include:
- Battery-less encoders that don’t require a battery to keep data in memory.
- A built-in Ethernet cable, so data is less likely to degrade or get lost along the way.
- A low residual vibration with fast settling times that has no ringing or overshoot for placement.
- An optimized footprint, which will occupy less floor space and has multiple mount options and a cable bottom exit option.
- A low total cost of ownership (TCO), representing the cost of the device and the cost of operation throughout its lifetime.
- Builds that withstand demanding high-tech environments, including cleanroom (ISO3), Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), and clean/ESD. The GX8 robots further support protected IP65, which allows the devices to work in an environment with low-pressure water jets and water coming from any or all directions, condensation, and water spray. Washdown and dustproof models are available for GX8 robots.
- Advanced integrated options, including parts feeding, force guidance, conveyor tracking, fieldbus, .NET, and arm length calibration.
- Vision guidance that allows the robots to pick up non-fixed moving parts and eliminates expensive part presentation fixtures.
Advantages of the new series include:
- Greater precision, with multiple arm configurations and reach options. The GX4 with a 350 mm arm has a unique curved shape that creates a larger work envelope.
- For GX8 options, over 96 models are available. A longer Z-axis on all models allows more vertical motion up and down; there is also a long-reach option available.
- Faster cycle times with higher acceleration for increased part throughput.
- No recurring license fee for Epson RC+ software.
- Epson RC+ software’s simple user interface, integrated debugger, and advanced 3D simulator.
The GX4 robots have arm lengths of 250, 300 or 350 mm and can be mounted on tables and multiple other types of surfaces. The GX8 robots have arm lengths of 450, 550 or 650 mm and can be mounted on tables, ceilings and walls.
Epson’s SCARA robots are distinguished from competitor devices by Epson’s proprietary GYROPLUS technology and rigid arm design. These traits help the robots make more precise movements with less error. Each robot comes with a controller, software and a connector set (I/O and safety circuit connectors)—along with an E-stop unit for shutting down the equipment in an emergency.
Between June 6 and 9, Epson demonstrated what the robots can accomplish at Automate, an A3 trade show that highlights innovation in automation. This was the first time the robots were showcased in North America.