Epson is launching an autonomous dual-arm robot, the WorkSense W-01, which it says will expand the scope of automated production in print.
The robots are sold through Motion Solutions Australia, a Victorian-based supplier which deals to the Australian, New Zealand, and Indian markets.
Gautam Manoharan from Motion Solutions Australia says, “We have not sold robots for printing to the Australian market yet, but internationally Epson robots have been used in print manufacturing.”
Robots have yet to make any significant impact in print, however their time may be coming, Currie Group’s PacPrint stand featured a Sawyer Collaborative Robot picking up and transferring stacked sheets from an Indigo press to the adjacent Horizon BQ-480 perfect binder and Horizon HT-1000V three-knife trimmer, where a completed book was produced, all without a touch point.
Epson says, “In recent years, manufacturers’ needs have grown more diverse with demand for products fluctuating sharply and a growing necessity to flexibly accommodate small-lot production and just-in-time production.
“Industrial robots are conventionally installed in a fixed location on a line to perform a given task. The WorkSense W-01, however, was developed for easy mobility so that it can be wheeled from place to place to perform assembly, transport, and other tasks. The features described below enable the robot to automate production tasks that previously defied automation.”
“The robot is equipped with 4 head-unit cameras and 2 arm-mounted cameras that give tit human-like vision, enabling it to detect an object’s position and orientation in three-dimensional space.
“Even if the location of objects and obstacles changes, the robot is able to independently determine their position.
“The robot arms are outfitted with Epson’s precision force sensors, which are already available on sale. Thus it is able to perform delicate assembly, transport, and other tasks that require human-like force control to avoid damaging objects. Multipurpose hands that can grasp, grip, and clamp objects of various shapes and sizes are included as standard end-of-arm tooling. They can manipulate tools and jigs that were designed for humans.
“The robot is able to detect the position and orientation of objects in three-dimensional space, so even if the robot is relocated, it can immediately start work – with no programming change required. This gives the robot the ability to flexibly adapt to sudden changes in production. So, for example, it can be wheeled to different locations to perform different tasks every day, if need be. The robot independently decides the path and orientation of its 7-axis arms and is able to avoid obstacles.
“The robot’s two 7-axis arms move like human arms. The dual arms move independently from one another to allow the robot to perform tasks that a single-arm robot cannot, such as tightening a screw in a component with one arm while holding the component in place with the other.
“The WorkSense brand name was coined to represent the concept of a robot that sees, senses, thinks, and works. With its WorkSense robot, Epson is targeting market segments where demand for small-lot production and JIT production are particularly high, such as automotive parts production.”
Yoshifumi Yoshida, chief operating officer, Robotics Solutions Operations Division, Epson says, “Epson expresses a strong commitment to driving robotics innovation. We are refining our core technologies that combine sensors and smart features, as well as our efficient, compact, and precision technologies, with the aim of realising a future in which robots are widely used to serve and support people. We see the WorkSense W-01, which harnesses the power of Epson’s deep portfolio of technology, as bringing us one step closer to bringing about such a future."
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