Epson Unveils Its First Collaborative Industrial Robot

Epson Steps into Collaborative Robotics at Automatica 2025

Better known for its printers and projectors, Epson has quietly built a strong presence in robotics and industrial automation over the years. Now, the company is taking a bold leap into collaborative robotics, unveiling its first industrial cobot solution at Automatica 2025 in Munich.

From June 24–27, 2025, Messe München will host Europe’s leading automation exhibition, where Epson will showcase the AX6-A901S — a high-performance, six-axis collaborative robot made of lightweight carbon fiber. Alongside it, the company introduces the compact RC-A101 controller and the flexible AX Portal programming environment.

This marks Epson’s official entry into the collaborative robotics space, targeting industries where precision, efficiency, and safe human-machine interaction are increasingly essential.

Built for High-Precision and Hygienic Environments

According to Volker Spanier, Head of Epson Europe’s Robotics Division, the growing demand in life sciences and pharmaceuticals is placing new emphasis on precision, hygiene, and flexibility. “With the rise of the life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors, precision operations and strict hygienic standards have never been more critical,” Spanier noted.

The AX6-A901S addresses these requirements by being ISO 14644-1 Class 5 compliant and featuring an IP54-certified enclosure. Its smooth, screwless exterior minimizes dust and particle accumulation, making it suitable for cleanrooms and lab environments. This design enables the robot to handle complex operations in pharmaceutical manufacturing and laboratory automation without compromising sterility.

Key Features of the AX6-A901S

Epson’s new cobot packs a range of features that make it a serious contender in the compact collaborative robot segment:

• Balanced, Space-Saving Design: With a 6 kg payload and 900 mm reach, the AX6-A901S is one of the lightest and most compact robots in its class. It’s an ideal solution for material handling in labs and integrating into crowded production lines.
• Compact, AGV-Friendly Controller: The RC-A101 controller was developed with AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) in mind. Weighing under 6 kg, it’s easy to install and relocate, providing excellent flexibility for dynamic production environments.
• Versatile Power Compatibility: Designed to operate on both 100–230 VAC and 48 VDC power sources, the robot can be easily adapted for different industrial settings, whether in a manufacturing plant or a cleanroom.
• Python Programming Support: Recognizing the popularity of Python in R&D and system integration projects, Epson ensured native Python support for the AX6-A901S. This allows developers to incorporate the robot into custom solutions without needing to learn proprietary programming languages.

A Significant Milestone for Epson’s Automation Strategy

Epson’s entry into collaborative robotics isn’t just a product launch — it’s a strategic move signaling the company’s commitment to advanced automation solutions. Spanier emphasized that this robot represents a milestone for industrial automation, bridging the gap between human workers and machines in sensitive, regulated industries.

“Innovative solutions like our new collaborative robot not only meet today’s production demands but also satisfy the stringent requirements of the life sciences sector, ensuring safe and precise collaboration between humans and machines,” Spanier added.

The AX6-A901S collaborative robot will be commercially available starting autumn 2025.