Omron to release i4 SCARA product family

Jun. 21, 2018 – Omron Corporation will introduce a new line of SCARA (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm or Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm) robots, boasting sleek design and enhanced performance, at automatica 2018.

Named the “i4,” the new generation of SCARA robot is designed to save space during installation, and allow easier configuration into existing production lines, explains Omron. The company says the i4 line features improved communication through EtherCAT, enabling synchronization between other automation devices. This facilitates advanced assembly, inserting and mounting processes that require high accuracy and demanding throughput, as well as ensured quality control with vision integration, it adds. Also, i4 visualizes working data and supervises its status with built-in signals for preventive maintenance, enabling users to mitigate unplanned downtime.

The i4 communicates with users to reduce unscheduled downtime, using a light ring and display embedded into the base that indicates the right operations to perform at the right times. The light rings serve as the world’s first robot “health” lighting indicator, informing users of its current mode, such as, “warranty update required,” says the company.