Robotic automation continues to be a major growth area for manufacturing, with applications ranging from simple deployments to complex environments that require high levels of speed and precision. To address these evolving market requirements, Epson Robots today announced major updates to its Epson RC+ 7.0 development software at PACK EXPO Connects.

Version 7.5.0 of Epson RC+ expands the IntelliFlex parts-feeding lineup to include the new IntelliFlex 80 and 380 Feeders, as well as the release of Add On Instructions for users of Allen Bradley programmable logic controller (PLC) platforms for Epson robots.

Epson Robots claims to be the No. 1 SCARA robot manufacturer in the world. Its product line also includes Cartesian and six-axis robots based on a common PC-controlled platform. The company has a 35-year record and has sold more than 100,000 units worldwide. It said it serves precision assembly and material handling applications in the aerospace, appliance, automotive, biotechnology, consumer product, electronics, food processing, medical device, pharmaceutical, plastics, semiconductor, and telecommunication industries.

Epson Robots is part of Epson Group, which is led by Japan-based Seiko Epson Corp. The company‘s headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America is Epson America Inc. in Los Alamitos, Calif.

Epson RC+ 7.5.0 designed to ease integration

The Epson RC+ 7.5.0 software is designed to help users quickly and easily implement SCARA and six-axis robots, said the company. It includes tools and features to provide seamless integration, allowing all components to work together in one integrated environment for nearly any application, said Epson.

“Epson RC+7.5.0 addresses two distinct automation trends — high-mix, low-volume parts feeding with IntelliFlex 80 and 380, and growth in PLC adoption with Add On Instructions,” said Rick Brookshire, director of product management for Epson Robots.

Powered by Epson Robots IntelliFlex software and Vision Guide, the IntelliFlex Feeding System delivers a simplistic feeding solution to accommodate a wide variety of parts ranging from 3 to 150 mm (0.11 to 5.9 in.). The new IntelliFlex 80 and 380 expands the IntelliFlex portfolio to four feeders, with parts support from 3 to 15 mm and 15 to 60 mm, respectively.

The system is integrated with Epson RC+ development software to offer easy setup and configuration, claimed the company. A point-and-click interface helps reduce the typical development time required for flexible feeding applications. Smart auto-tuning automatically adjusts the feeder parameters for new parts setup, and multi-axis vibration technology provides optimized parts control and singulation, Epson said.

Add On Instructions intended to ease PLC integration

Epson said its new Add On Instructions allow Allen Bradley PLC users to seamlessly integrate Epson robots for everything from simple pick-and-place tasks to more complex tasks using the programming environment they are already familiar with.

Add On Instructions feature a rich set of commands that enable robot motion and system setup — all within the native PLC language, so no additional robot-specific programming training is required.

These instructions enable users to reuse commands and create instruction signatures, which can be helpful for regulated industries, said Epson. With a single point of control, companies can simplify tracking, training, and commissioning, the company said.

“Every customer wants something different,” said Victor Ferrell, president at Dynamic Control and Automation, an Epson Robots AutomateEliteSM System Integrator. “Add On Instructions will allow us to integrate robots while enabling a single point of control via PLC. By standardizing on a single controls system approach, we believe we can better predict the hours and scope of a project, and it has the potential to lower overall project cost and delivery timeline due to reoccurring engineering over time.”

The new Epson RC+ and related systems are now available from Epson and authorized partners.