Seiko Epson Corporation ("Epson", TSE: 6724) today announced it would in September commence sales of the LS6, a new addition to its LS series of SCARA robots for automated assembly and transfer processes. The new product comes equipped with a 600-mm arm that is 1.5 times the length that of the original LS3 model, and has a payload of 6 kg, twice that of the LS3.
Epson created the new product in response to labor shortages and the need for greater production efficiency and stable quality in emerging nations that volume-produce the vast majority of smartphones, electronic automotive components, and other small electronic gear. Such demand has caused industrial robot demand to skyrocket among companies looking to significantly boost throughput.
The LS6 from Epson
Responding to customer needs for greater production line automation, Epson, the world leader*1 in SCARA robots for industrial applications, announced in June the launch of the LS series with the aim of making light of heavy manual work.
"We added the LS6 to the series because of customer demands for a robot with a greater motion range and that was capable of handling greater payloads," said Hideo Hirao, responsible for Epson's Factory Automation Division. "This will enable customers to further automate assembly and transfer processes, and increase productivity by increasing the amount of materials that can be transported by the robot."
Characteristics of the LS6 SCARA robot:
- These robots offer vaunted Epson performance and compact design at an attractive price. This basic model is particularly suitable for first-time robot users or customers looking to automate.
- Epson's original Smart Motion Control technology*2 enables smart, rapid operations at high-speed and with low reaction and vibration.
- The 600-mm length of the arm enables the robot to cover an area greater than that used in manual assembly work, enabling smooth integration for transfer and assembly work.
* Works with RC90 dedicated LS series controller
Epson sees the commercial and industrial sector, as well as emerging economies, as important growth markets. Going forward, Epson will continue to introduce products that meet the needs of the market, strengthen local customer support, and work even harder to meet customers' growing expectations.
*1 Epson recorded the industry's highest revenue from shipments of industrial SCARA robots in 2010 (according to Fuji Keizai's 2011 research report about the current and future situation in the global robot market).
*2 Smart Motion Control technology: New acceleration/deceleration tuning and other original Epson robot control technologies that optimize robot motion (straight and arcing motions, and motion when carrying heavy loads) by enabling high speed while achieving low vibration.