Mecademic Launches MicroDASH SCARA Automation Series

Mecademic Industrial Robotics last week announced the formal launch of its new MicroDASH product line with the first deployed shipments of the MCS500 SCARA four-axis robot.

The Montreal-based company claimed that its new robot “offers unmatched space efficiency, precision, and integration flexibility to accelerate the automation of small component design, inspection, and assembly applications.”

Mecademic designs and manufactures small industrial robotic arms. The award-winning company said its customers work in aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, electronics, jewelry, and other industries.

MicroDASH Early Access program a success

The formal launch of MicroDASH came just a few months after Mecademic showed its micro-SCARA robots at Automatica earlier this year as part of an Early Access program. The company stated that the Early Access program was successful, resulting in robot design advancements and pre-orders from customers and partners across the globe.

"We tested the MicroDASH MCS500 extensively and immediately saw an opportunity for this robot within our micro-manipulation, pick and place, and assembly applications,” said Rob Seymour, founder and CEO of Seymour Advanced Technologies.

“We feel this robot stands apart with its compact design, reliability, and ease of integration, especially for applications that require speed and precision,” he added.

MicroDASH comes in a small form factor

Mecademic noted that the MicroDASH MCS500 sports an “innovative design,” making it “the most miniature SCARA robot in its class.” It asserted that the robot’s design is 30% smaller than similar products, even with its embedded controller.

The announcement also listed other technical specifications, including the MCS500’s total weight of 4.3 kg (9.4 lb.). Mecademic noted that this low weight means the robot can be mounted upside down, providing integration flexibility.

The company also said the MCS500 has the same 0.005 mm (0.0001 in.) repeatability as its existing Meca500 six-axis robotic arm. Design principles for the Meca500 influenced the micro-SCARA robots featured at the Automatica trade show, Mecademic recalled.

MicroDASH Early Access gains global traction

Mecademic reportedly launched its micro-SCARA Early Access program back in May. Program participants included select distributors, integrators, and end customers across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Philippe Beaulieu, chief commercial officer at Mecademic, praised the program’s success, stating, “We greatly appreciate the level of application testing and feedback from these selected experts. We are preparing for large-scale production to fulfill the pre-orders for this new micro-SCARA robot.”