Epson introduces the AX6 cobot with compact design and code-free programming

Epson Robots this week expanded its line of six-axis robots with the AX6 collaborative robot. He said the new cobot is designed with power and force limiting features that, with proper risk assessment, can allow operation alongside people without traditional safety barriers.

“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 and robot development at Epson. “With the introduction of the AX6, Epson can now address these applications by offering customers a full range of robotic security solutions.”

Suwa, Japan-based Epson Robots has claimed to be the global leader in SCARA robots. With four decades of experience, it provides systems based on a common PC platform for precision assembly and material handling to industries such as aerospace, automotive, biotechnology, electronics, food, medical device, pharmaceutical and plastics.

The Epson Group unit, which has U.S. offices in Los Alamitos, California, said it had sold more than 250,000 units worldwide as of April 2026.

AX6 includes features for ease of use

Epson Robotics said the AX6 offers “a comprehensive portfolio of robot safety tools, including industrial robots that maximize speed and performance, collaborative robots that maximize worker interaction and redeployment, and industrial collaboration tools that balance the two use cases.”

The new robotic arm has a reach of 900 mm (35.4 inches), a maximum payload of 6 kg (13.2 pounds), and an RC-A1010 controller.

The AX6 features no-code software and a user interface designed for operators of all levels, the company said. Combined with AX Portal software, the cobot provides a range of development tools to meet your diverse automation needs.

The software runs on an Ethernet-enabled controller and can be accessed via a web browser, so most industrial tablets can be used as a programming device, said James Shimano, product manager at Epson Robots The robot report.

Epson listed the AX6’s additional features:

• Customizable Python development environment — allows users to easily load custom libraries and modules to develop more complicated robotic work cells
• Industrial kinematics — users can generate straight, curved, or joint motions from a no-code or Python-based environment
• Multi-function user buttons at the end of the arm — these include three customizable and two dedicated buttons; operators can learn positions by manually moving the robot into free space and using the Teach buttons
• Ethernet port at the end of the arm and pneumatic connections — simplifies end-of-arm equipment for grippers, dispensers and more
• Compatible with multiple power sources — supports 100V to 240V AC and 48V DC
• Multi-color status LED ring at the end of the arm — Quickly assess the robot’s status via fixed color status lights at the end of the arm
• 3D simulator — test programs in simulation before executing them within the work cell

Epson designs cobots for tight spaces and mobile manipulation

The AX6 complies with ISO Class 5 (ISO 14644-1) cleanroom standards for controlled environments, Epson Robots said.

“There are life science applications that are affected,” Shimano noted. “These applications primarily involve monitoring applications where a sensor must be moved in free space to sample an area. The ISO 5 cleanroom rating was important in these applications.”

The compact and lightweight carbon fiber structure of the new robotic arm makes it suitable for applications with space constraints. Could this also lead to integration with autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for mobile manipulation?

“Yes, the lightweight and powerful design was specifically made with AMR integration in mind,” Shimano responded. He added that Epson is working with sensor and end effector suppliers and expects the new cobot to be used in a range of applications beyond palletizing or machine tending.

“In many applications, industrial robots handle bottleneck processes such as assembly and packaging, while cobots are often used at the end of the line where user interaction is needed,” Shimano said.

The AX6 is now available through Epson Robots’ distributor partner channel as part of the AX series of six-axis robots.