SSR-H Series

The SSR-H series, released in May 1983, was the first horizontally articulated (also known as a selective compliant articulated robot arm, or SCARA, type) precision assembly robot in Epson's* factory automation systems business. The SSR-H series of industrial robots was widely used for assembling precision instruments such as watches and printers, and for packaging semiconductors. The robots had outstanding features that far exceeded robot industry standards of the time: a compact size that enabled smooth integration of the robot into existing assembly lines; high repeatability of +/-30μm m for the standard type and +/-15μm for the high-precision type; and a maximum operating speed of 2 m/second. It was also equipped with an originally developed BASIC support robot programming language called SPEL, which was dedicated for assembly operation. In addition, various self-diagnosis and safety functions were included - a system program check function for preventing trouble, and functions for detecting power supply malfunctions, short circuits, overruns and disconnections. These features, coupled with the robot's ease of use, evoked a huge market response.

In the year following the robot's release, Epson started up operations on the TAF-M line, an automated watch assembly line outfitted with these SCARA robots. As well as being awarded the 1986 Nikkei Factory Automation Award, the line played an active part in supporting the high-mix, low-volume production of Epson's Watch Operations Division. Taking advantage of the SSR-H series release, Epson's factory automation systems business shifted into high gear, making the company one of the leading manufacturers of small, high-precision SCARA robots.

*Then known as Suwa Seikosha Co., Ltd.