Epson’s New Epson Robot Force Sensor Helps Automating Difficult Tasks
Seiko Epson Corporation has announced the development of its S250 series of high-precision force sensors. The S250 series, which was rolled out worldwide from early June, will be available as an option for the company’s six-axis and SCARA robots. Employing Epson’s proprietary piezoelectric quartz sensing technology, the new force sensors are durable and sensitive, allowing them to accurately and consistently sense minimal amounts of force in six directions1. This will allow customers to automate complex manufacturing tasks and will improve productivity. Epson also provides robot operation commands with the sensor, allowing customers to easily introduce the system.
Many manufacturers are turning to robots as skilled workers are lessening and aging populations are affecting companies in the world’s leading economies, and the trend to reshoring continues worldwide. Epson’s innovative new force sensors answer these needs and are a significant step forward in achieving the company’s mission of using robots to improve the way products are manufactured. The S250 series enables robots to feel force as limited as 0.1 N, allowing the robots to automate complex tasks such as precisely assembling delicate components. The sensors can also be used on tasks that formerly relied on human sensory perception such as polishing and deburring, freeing people from repetitive manual work.
“The new force sensors are a significant development for Epson and for the manufacturing industry in general,” said Yoneharu Fukushima, COO of Epson’s Robotics Solutions Operations Division. “As a company dedicated to manufacturing innovation, the new sensors help to expand the applications for robots, and bring us a step further towards achieving our goal of creating a world in which robots support people in a wide variety of situations.”
“There is strong demand for industrial robotics and their applications within the Southeast Asia region, with robotics spending looking to double in Asia Pacific by 2019, according to IDC2. The new force sensors will meet the demands of customers within Southeast Asia, to improve their productivity through automation of complex and intricate tasks. At Epson, we are committed to bringing new innovations to our customers to help them achieve their business goals,” said Ng Ngee Khiang, Regional General Manager, Epson Robotics Division.
The robots with new force sensors will be available from June within Southeast Asia, in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
About Epson
Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to connecting people, things and information with its original efficient, compact and precision technologies. With a lineup that ranges from inkjet printers and digital printing systems to 3LCD projectors, smart glasses, sensing systems and industrial robots, the company is focused on driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in inkjet, visual communications, wearables and robotics.
Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 67,000 employees in 90 companies around the world, and is proud of its contributions to the communities in which it operates and its ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impacts.
About Epson Southeast Asia
Since 1982, Epson has developed a strong presence across major markets in Southeast Asia. Led by the regional headquarters, Epson Singapore Pte Ltd., Epson Southeast Asia spans an extensive network of 10 countries, and is responsible for delivering and supporting Epson’s cutting-edge consumer and business digital imaging products to the customers of these markets through its comprehensive infrastructure of over 360 service outlets, 10 Epson solution centres and 8 manufacturing facilities. http://www.epson.com.sg
About Epson Philippines
Epson’s corporate presence in the Philippines commenced in 1998. It grew rapidly into a billion peso company in a span of a few years from its establishment due to its client-oriented approach in its business management style by its dedicated and innovative staff members and officers. Epson Philippines has an extensive network of 77 Authorized Service Centers nationwide with more than 200 dealers and more than 800 shops across the Country. For more details, please visit our website (www.epson.com.ph) or our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/EpsonPhilippines).
Product specifications
| Product model number
|
S250N | S250L | S250P | S250H | S2503, S2506, S25010 |
| Robot series | C4 Series | C8 Series | C8
Supporting IP |
N Series*1 | G Series, RS Series |
| Outer dimensions | ø80 ×
H49 mm |
ø88 ×
H49 mm |
ø88 ×
H66 mm |
ø80 ×
H49 mm |
ø80 × H52 mm |
| Weight*2 | 460 g | 520 g | 680 g | 460 g | 640 g |
| Measured
degree of freedom
|
6-Axis: x, y, z-Axis force (Fx, Fy, Fz), moment (Tx, Ty, Tz) | ||||
| Rated load | Fx, Fy, Fz: 250N, Tx, Ty, Tz: 18Nm | ||||
| Overload capacity | Fx, Fy, Fz: 1000N, Tx, Ty, Tz: 36Nm | ||||
| Measured
resolution |
Fx, Fy, Fz: ±0.1N or less, Tx, Ty, Tz: ±0.003 Nm | ||||
| Measured
accuracy |
±5% R.O. or less | ||||
| Bundled items | Interface box “FS1”, communication cables, robot mounting flange | ||||
*1 Scheduled to be launched in FY2016.
*2 Weight of the force sensor body and the robot mounting flange. Cables excluded.
