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Epson Launches Robotics Innovation Center to Support Thai Manufacturers’ Use of Robots in Thailand 4.0 Era

DATE: 23 December 2017


Mr. Yunyong Muneemongkoltorn, General Manager of Epson (Thailand), says, “The government’s Thailand 4.0 policy has sparked various industries’ interest in leveraging robotics and automation for improving performance, increasing output and adding value to products/services. To encourage the widespread usage of robotics and automation, the government has already introduced several incentives. For example, a 50% discount on corporate income tax is offered to entrepreneurs that have embraced robotics and automation technologies. Soft loans are also made available via the Pracha Rath-based SME Development Fund for enterprises that seek funding for robot/automation adoption. The Finance Ministry has offered 300% tax deductions for entrepreneurs engaging in robotics/automation researches too. Given such factors, Epson has recognized opportunities to expand its robotic-arm market. Robotic arms by Epson, after all, can help Thailand-based manufacturers significantly boost their output and quality”
 
“Epson’s robotic-technology development has been going solid for more than 36 already. Epson robots have thus now worked for top industrialized countries around the world. Among them are the United States, European nations, Japan, China and South Korea. In Thailand, Epson’s robotic arms have been parts of the manufacturing sector for well over two decades now. Major users here are multinational firms that have set up a manufacturing base on Thai soil. As their parent companies are familiar with Epson technologies, they have chosen Epson robots for their plants in Thailand. In the past, Epson had assigned its regional headquarters in Singapore to handle the distribution of robotic arms in Thailand because the robot market had been growing at a slow rate. But after Thailand 4.0 vision and Industry 4.0 policy spurred interest in robot technologies and automation systems, Epson Thailand becomes fully in charge of conducting marketing activities for and distributing robots in Thailand. We have now planned to woo small and medium-sized plants as our new customers while maintaining our customer base of multinational firms too. At present, most of our existing customers are in the automobile and electronic & electrical industries”.
 
“Presently, manual systems have dominated Thailand’s industrial plants. Only about 15% of the local plants have integrated some automation systems to their production lines. Most these plants are also in just five major industries: automobile, electrical & electronics, steel, rubber & plastics, and food processing. Yet, the Thai robot market has been growing over time. Recognizing that ample opportunities for the market have now emerged, we have planned marketing activities for small robotic arms like SCARA Robot and 6-Axis Robot. Introduced to the Thai market now are three models namely T3 SCARA Robot, LS-Series SCARA Robot and C-Series compact 6-Axis robot. They are perfect for applications in various industries. These robotic arms can assemble electrical and electronic components. They can facilitate machine-production plants’ operations. They work fine at automation and medical-appliance manufacturing lines. These robots, moreover, can help produce semiconductors and telecom equipment”.
 
T3 and LS-Series SCARA Robot are horizontal robotic arms with high precision. They are easy-to-use and compact in size, thus fitting well in limited work spaces. C-Series compact 6-Axis Robot, meanwhile, are highly versatile as each of their axes can move independently. Highly efficient, these axes can move almost the ways human arms do. Despite offering flexibility, they can work at an impressively high speed. Their movement is controlled by the Quartz Micro Electro Mechanical System, which minimizes vibration and allows really quick moves. All these three models of robotic arms are compatible with vision system. Powered by Epson Vision Guide software, the system adds greater efficiency as it allows robots to recognize the differences of materials and correctly categorize them. When supported by this practical program, Epson’s robotic arms know the exact positions and quality of materials. They can thus assemble products with higher accuracy. Designed well for the Industry 4.0, Epson robots work perfect with both PC (programmable controller) Base and PLC (programmable logic controller) base. Their internal system can detect any error by itself, with notifications for scheduled maintenance and more. Associated software make it real easy for humans to operate these robots. M2M (Machine to Machine) system is also available to ensure Epson Robots can efficiently communicate with other machines to facilitate their operations.
 
On marketing plan, Mr. Yunyong reveals that his firm has been expanding its partner networks for distribution, after-sales services, training and product support. Epson Thailand will officially appoint more distributors later this year, choosing them on the basis on their solid expertise in robotics and industrial sector, in support of the plan to expand Thailand’s robot market. Target customers are factories in the automobile and electrical & electronic industries.
  
“One of the factors hindering the widespread use of robots in the manufacturing lines, particularly at Thailand-based plants, is the lack of solutions that are designed especially for specific tasks at each facility. Aware of this problem, we have worked closely with our partners, both Solution Providers and System Integrators, in designing solutions in response to customers’ specific needs. This way, entrepreneurs can integrate Epson robots to their work process real fast and smooth enabling robots and humans to work side by side for greater efficiency, faster work speed and higher quality. Guided by our commitment to develop human resources for robotics and automation fields, we have planned to conduct training courses for companies, plants and various organizations too. This is a crucial part of marketing activities. Robotic technologies, after all, are still relatively new to Thai entrepreneurs particularly the small and medium-sized businesses,” Mr. Yunyong says.
 
In the latest development, Epson has joined forces with the Thai – German Institute (TGI) – an organization devoted to developing human resources and technologies for the manufacturing sector and offering consultancy/training to plants – in launching the TGI – EPSON : EPSON Robotics Innovation Center. This facility serves as the center of exhibitions, demonstrations and training related to the use of Epson robots. Staff from industrial plants and System Integrators are welcome to take the course. The center’s first course will start in November. It covers EPSON Robot, SCARA Robot, their maintenance and applications of Epson Robot Vision.
 
“Investments in industrial robots and automation system usually require quite a lot of money. It also takes time for persons involved to understand the devices or the system. We have thus set up both pre-sales and after-sales teams to take care of our customers. Our pre-sales team advises our customers about products, usage, applications, installations, and command and control system. The team also provides technical assistance both before and during the installations of Epson robots. Our after-sales team, meanwhile, is on hand to support our customers following the installations for example by providing maintenance services and answering to customers’ additional needs. With such services, customers will have full confidence choosing Epson robots,” Mr. Yunyong concludes.
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