Epson America has launched its first collaborative six-axis robot, the AX6, designed to operate safely alongside factory workers without the need for traditional physical safety barriers.

The AX6 features power- and force-limiting technology that restricts the robot’s speed and force, allowing it to be deployed in shared manufacturing workspaces following a standard risk assessment. This design removes the requirement for industrial safety cages, saving factory floor space and enabling closer human-machine interaction during assembly and material handling processes.

The launch marks Epson’s entry into the collaborative robotics sector. The Japanese manufacturer currently holds the top global market share for SCARA (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm) robots, which are widely deployed for high-speed, precision assembly in the electronics, automotive, and medical device industries.

The new robot is constructed with a lightweight carbon fibre structure and carries an ISO 5 cleanroom rating, making it suitable for sterile manufacturing environments. It operates on a standard 100 to 240-volt AC or 48-volt DC power supply and features built-in Ethernet and pneumatic connections at the end of the arm to simplify the attachment of industrial grippers and dispensers.

To reduce the complexity of deployment for industrial operators, the system includes a no-code programming interface and a 3D simulator, allowing engineers to test automated movements virtually before physical implementation on the factory floor.

“Collaborative robots have lowered the barriers to entry for many new robot users by simplifying programming and integration, while enabling new applications where space and user interaction are critical,” said Rick Brookshire, director of product development at Epson Robots.