Epson launches the N6 compact 6-Axis robot and SH250LH Hollow Force Sensor

Epson’s compact N6 6-axis robot, complete with uniquely engineered ’folding‘ arm, is designed to perform tasks in tight spaces more efficiently than other robots¹. The N6 also has a longer arm (1,000mm) and can handle higher payloads (6kg) than Epson’s previously released N2. The robot is ideal for loading and unloading small electronic products and automotive parts into and from test equipment. It is also perfect for shelving or unshelving medical products and much more. It has a smaller installation footprint than earlier 6-axis robots and can reach a wider range of places, from the top shelf to the bottom. These features increase productivity and the efficiency with which factory space is used.

1. The unique arm structure and arm length give the N6 a small installation footprint while allowing it to reach high places.

Taking advantage of the N series’ folding arm design and long (1,000mm) arm, the N6 can access locations that are higher than those that can be reached by the N2 and by Epson’s 900mm-class 6-axis robots. Users can benefit from these features by laying out factory shelves and equipment vertically instead of horizontally, to enable the N6 to use previously wasted vertical space.

By  installing the N6 in narrow spaces and inside equipment where robots previously would not fit, users have the freedom to consider more compact factory layouts.

2. Hollow arm provides storage space for cables and hoses

A hollow arm design is employed to allow cables and hoses to be routed through the centre of the arm at joints 5 and 6. Routing the cables and hoses to the end-effector through the arm reduces the risk of damage and disconnections that could occur if the cables and hoses were to get caught or pinched when accessing narrow openings to shelves or equipment. The robot can also be set up more easily because you no longer have to take into account the amount of wrist rotation (the wrist is the moving part between joints 5 and 6) when routing cables and hoses.

Like the arm, the optional new SH250LH force sensor also employs a hollow design, so cables and hoses can be neatly routed through the sensor as well as the arm.

Volker Spanier, Head of Robotic Solutions at Epson in the EMEAR region, explains: "As a leading technology company with over thirty years’ market experience of robots in Europe, Epson continues to expand its range of efficient, compact and precision robots that combine technological excellence with a deep understanding of customers’ needs.”

Epson has begun a global roll-out² of the N6 compact 6-axis (vertically articulated) industrial robot the company announced in November 2017. Epson will also release the SH250LH, a new force sensor with a hollow design.