Epson Expands Industrial Robot Safety Portfolio with First Collaborative Robot
The new system targets applications where employees and robots share workspaces, bringing human-robot interaction and safeguards into focus.
- By Chelsey Arries
- Sep 22, 2026
Epson’s AX6 uses power- and force-limiting features that may allow it to operate without traditional safety barriers following a proper risk assessment. The system expands Epson’s portfolio of industrial robots, collaborative robots and related safety tools.
Collaborative robots, commonly called cobots, are designed to perform tasks near employees when appropriate safeguards are in place. Risk assessments remain necessary to identify hazards associated with the robot, its tools, surrounding equipment and the materials being handled.
The AX6 has a carbon-fiber structure and carries an IP54 rating. It is also rated for ISO Class 5 cleanroom environments, making it suitable for certain operations where space or contamination control is a consideration.
Programming options include a no-code interface and a Python development environment. Workers can manually guide the robotic arm to teach positions, while a three-dimensional simulator lets them test programs before using them in a work cell.
The robot also includes customizable control buttons, status lights and connections for end-of-arm tools such as grippers and dispensers. It supports power sources ranging from 100 to 240 volts AC as well as 48 volts DC.
About the Author
Chelsey Arries is assistant editor for Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.