Epson Introduces New Class of SCARA Robots and Next-Generation, High-Performance Robot Controller at The Assembly Show

ROSEMONT, Ill. (The Assembly Show, Booth #1231) – Oct. 24, 2023 – Epson Robots, the #1 SCARA robot manufacturer in the world, today introduced a new class of high-power-density SCARA robots, the GX-B Series powered by the RC700E controller with integrated SafeSense^TM technology. Included in the series are the GX4B, GX8B, GX10B, and GX20B. The GX10B will be showcased publicly for the first time in the Americas at The Assembly Show in Rosemont, Illinois from Oct. 24-26.

Built to perform with industrial-rated safety features, the GX-B Series takes SCARA robot performance to the next level. The GX-B Series delivers ultra-high performance and flexibility in a compact footprint. Engineered to meet unique automation needs, this series of SCARA robots offers payloads from four to 20 kg, reach up to one meter, multiple arm configurations and mounting types, integrated SafeSense technology, and high throughput with high payloads to accomplish the most demanding tasks with leading-edge precision. A breakthrough in productivity, this series uses advanced GYROPLUS^® vibration reduction technology to provide fast production speeds, smooth motion control and fast settling times.

“Epson understands the demands of high-end automation users who require the highest levels of performance out of their SCARA robots,” said Scott Marsic, group product manager, Epson Robots. “Built on four decades of expertise, Epson continues to deliver innovation that boosts productivity while helping to ensure workplace safety with the GX-B Series and integrated safety technology, providing customers a powerful yet simple-to-operate robotic automation solution for today’s medical device, electronics and consumer electronics markets.”

The RC700E robot controller powers the entire GX-B Series, and with proper risk assessment, it can enable seamless interaction between workers and robots without a safety fence. The controller enhances productivity, enables industrial collaborative robot applications and reduces the overall footprint of robot automation systems. Featuring intelligent servo drives with GYROPLUS technology, customers can maximize throughput and integrate third-party software and hardware to build systems that suit their needs.

More than just a connection to a PC, the RC700E integrates the power of PC-based controls and the power of a real-time engine that can run up to 32 tasks with over 500 commands to optimize runtime, recovery and error handling. Featuring SafeSense technology, the NRTL safety rated RC700E provides safety limited speed and position monitoring. This enhances productivity through faster interaction with machines for daily operations and maintenance. Simultaneously, the potential elimination of physical safety barriers can help users reduce the footprint and overall cost of their robot automation systems.

Additional features include:

• Ultimate ease of use and flexibility — intuitive and feature-packed Epson RC+^® development software helps create powerful solutions with a simple user interface, integrated debugger and 3D simulator; RC700E works to create standalone industrial robot solutions with a GUI creation option, PC-based with API options such as LabVIEW, or PLC-controlled with remote fieldbus options, including Add-On Instructions (AOIs)
• Low total cost of ownership — includes battery-less encoders and Epson RC+ software with no recurring license fee; rich suite of safety features included with RC700E controller; RC700E also includes Modbus TCP/IP and standard 24 inputs/16 outputs
• Integrated SafeSense Technology —  standard and advanced safety features can allow for increased productivity and worker protection safety while potentially minimizing machine footprint due to the reduction of physical barriers
• Optimized footprint — table, wall- and ceiling-mount options; 250, 300 and 350 mm reaches available for GX4B; 450, 550 and 650 mm reaches available for GX8B; 650 and 850 mm reaches available for the GX10B; 850 and 1,000 mm reaches available for the GX20B; longer Z axis available on GX20B, GX10B and GX8B
• Built for demanding environments —Standard, ESD, Cleanroom (ISO3) and ESD, and Protected IP65 models available; TUV certification standard on all models
• Advanced integrated options for GX Series — Vision Guidance, Parts Feeding, Force Guidance, Conveyor Tracking, Fieldbus and API.NET
• Expandable options for RC700E — three available option slots for Extended I/O, Force Guide, Conveyor Tracking, Fieldbus Slave and Analog I/O; seamless software integration with API (.NET), Vision Guidance and IntelliFlex™ Parts Feeding
• Compact and convenient — RC700E efficient form factor can be floor, wall or rack mounted; all connections plus lockout, backup port and message display are accessible on the front panel of controller
• Industry 4.0 ready — advanced OPC UA for robotics connectivity provides next-level integration and monitoring

Availability

The GX4B and GX8B are now available and the GX10B and GX20B will be available in January 2024 through Epson Robots’ channel of distributor partners. To learn more about the Epson GX-B Series of SCARA robots, please visit https://epson.com/gx-scara-robot-series.

About Epson Robots

Epson Robots is a global leader in PC-controlled precision factory automation, with well over 150,000 units sold worldwide¹ and a product line of hundreds of models of easy-to-use SCARA and 6-Axis robots based on a common PC-based platform. Building on four decades of experience, Epson Robots delivers robots for precision assembly and material handling applications in the aerospace, appliance, automotive, biotechnology, consumer product, electronics, food processing, medical device, pharmaceutical, plastics, semiconductor, and telecommunication industries. For more information, visit www.epsonrobots.com.

About Epson

Epson is a global technology leader whose philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson’s goal is to become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of more than JPY 1 trillion. global.epson.com/

Epson America, Inc., based in Los Alamitos, Calif., is Epson’s regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (facebook.com/Epson), Twitter (twitter.com/EpsonAmerica), YouTube (youtube.com/epsonamerica), and Instagram (instagram.com/EpsonAmerica).

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1 Epson internal sales data through 2021.