New EPSON RS3 Robot

Rosemont, IL — EPSON Robots introduces the new EPSON RS3 Robot, featuring all the benefits of a typical SCARA plus more. The unique new design of the EPSON RS3 clearly puts it ahead of other robots in its class with superior cycle times and larger work envelope access thus opening up new application possibilities.

“Unique to the EPSON RS3 is our new work space design which maximizes work envelope usage” stated Michael Ferrara, Director of EPSON Robots. “No other robot vendor offers a 350mm SCARA arm featuring the largest working quadrangle greater than that of a typical 750mm SCARA arm. Since there is no dead space in the center of the work envelope, the EPSON RS3’s largest working quadrangle is 494mm x 494mm, which up till now has only been possible with a much larger SCARA robot. With the ability to maneuver back under itself for the shortest movements possible instead of having to move around itself, the EPSON RS3 delivers superior cycle rates. This means more parts processed in less time, while using a fraction of floor space which results in more profits for our customers.”

The EPSON RS3 is literally a zero footprint robot, thus saving our customers valuable floor space. It is also capable of easy integration into compact assembly cells. Furthermore, the unique work envelope allows for unprecedented design flexibility with over 360 degrees of axis rotation for omni directional access. All these exclusive features make the EPSON RS3 robot the most versatile and unique SCARA available in the market today.

The EPSON RS3 is perfect for lab automation and other process heavy applications where large quantities of parts are presented to process or testing stations.

EPSON Robots
www.robots.epson.com/rs-series.htm

Honda Tests 49 Foot Robot

TORRANCE, Calif.–Honda (http://www.honda.com) will test its unique Rose Parade float as part of a rehearsal of the parade’s opening show, conducted for media and invited guests in Pasadena, Calif., revealing the float design and giving parade fans a glimpse of this year’s event. Honda’s Rose Parade float, a 49-foot replica of Honda’s ASIMO humanoid robot, and the parade’s first-ever hydrogen-powered fuel cell pace car, the Honda FCX Clarity, will lead the 120th Rose Parade as well as kick off Honda’s 50th anniversary of U.S. operations.

In front of the millions of viewers watching from around the world on Jan. 1, 2009, Honda’s float will evolve from an opening ceremony stage into an animated replica of Honda’s ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility), standing about 12 times the height of the actual ASIMO humanoid robot. Honda’s float creation called “Hats Off in Celebration” will be completed with natural materials like lettuce seed, rice, carnations and strawflower. The float will be joined by the Prairie View A&M University Marching Band, a past participant in the Honda Battle of the Bands which features the music programs of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. A few members of the band will ride on the float, which will be immediately followed by the entire marching band. In addition, during the parade the FCX Clarity pace car will be accompanied by the Honda Super Cub motorcycle, the first model sold in the United States.

The Honda float includes a variety of flowers, plants and seeds that will later be ground up for mulch after the parade activities are concluded. The surface of ASIMO will be covered with super fine ground white rice and super fine ground everlasting; it is accented by fine cut blue statice and fine cut red statice as well as silverleaf to create accents and “shadows.” Fine cut everlasting, whole red carnations and white chrysanthemums will bring vivid color to Honda’s 50th anniversary logos, which will be decorated by Honda associates (employees) on December 27.

Honda is one of the parade’s longest-running corporate sponsors, and its Rose Parade entries have captured major awards in 13 out of the last 14 years. Honda is the official Tournament of Roses vehicle. This year, the company will provide 115 vehicles, including the Honda FCX Clarity pace car; 166 Metropolitan scooters; and, 12 generators for use by Tournament of Roses personnel. The 120th Rose Parade, themed “Hats off to Entertainment,” will take place Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2009 at 8 a.m. (PST).

Scara Robots

The TH-A Series of Scara Robots from Toshiba Machine Co. of America consists of three models: the TH650A, the TH850A, and the TH1050A. Compared to previous models, their cycle time has been improved by 20 to 30 percent(with higher payloads). Read more

New ASIMO Makes UK Debut

Newcastle, England – The new ASIMO debuted in UK in the North East of England with a mission to inspire the regions’ next generation of engineers. Read more