Epson Robots Introduces GX Series SCARA Robots

Epson Robots today announced a new line of SCARA robots designed to be a class above its high-end G Series. The company is launching its GX Series with the GX4 and GX8 robots, which it said can handle payloads up to 4 kg (8.8 lb.) and 8 kg, (17.6 lb.), respectively. That’s up about 33% from the G-Series, the company said.

The robots were designed for assembly, pick and place, and small-parts handling processes. Both robots have battery-less encoders and built-in Ethernet cables. They are also equipped with Epson RC+ industrial automation development software. The GX4 will offer reaches between 250-350 mm (9.8 to 13.7 in.) and the GX8 will offer reaches between 450 to 650 mm (17.7 to 25 in.).

Increasing flexibility

Aaron Donlon, product manager of Epson Robotics, told Robotics 24/7 Epson has more than 100,000 robots deployed worldwide, and the company has been in the SCARA business for the past 40 years.

Los Alamitos, Calif.-based Epson Robots is a subsidiary of Seiko Epson Corp., a global technology company based out of Nagano, Japan.

Until the GX Series, the company made three tiers of SCARA robots: the entry model T-B series, the middle range LS-B Series, and the high-end G-Series.

The G-Series class of robots have been the company’s most capable SCARA robot for the past 10 years, but with the GX Series, the company is aiming to provide even more performance and flexibility for its customers.

Donlon said there are more than 70 plus different model configurations for the GX4. For the GX8, there are more than 190.

The GX robots will be showcased for the first time in North America at Automate in Detroit from June 6-9 in booth 2018.

Additional features include:

• Low residual vibration – fast settling times with proprietary Epson GYROPLUS vibration reduction system and rigid arm design, plus no ringing or overshoot
• Optimized footprint – multiple mount and cable bottom exit options
  • GX4 options include 250-, 300- and 350-mm (9.8., 11, and 13.7 in.) reach and a unique curved arm that's 350 mm (13.7 in.) long to maximize work envelope
  • GX8 options include 450-, 550- and 650-mm (17.7, 21.6, and 25.5 in.) reach and a longer Z axis
• Built for demanding environments – standard, cleanroom (ISO3) and electrostatic discharge (ESD), and new standalone ESD models available; GX8 also supports Protected IP65
• Advanced integrated options – vision guidance, parts feeding, force guidance, conveyor tracking, fieldbus, API.NET, and arm length calibration

“As the demand for automation continues across all industries, Epson pushes the envelope by providing high-performance solutions with leading-edge precision to meet the most demanding tasks,” said Scott Marsic, group product manager at Epson Robots in a statement. “With the new GX Series, 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.”