Yamaha Motor Launches YE4 and YE10 SCARA Robots and RCX440 Controller for Asian Markets
Yamaha Motor has launched the YE4 and YE10 SCARA robots and the RCX440 controller, offering cost-effective automation solutions for Asian markets including China, ASEAN, India, and Japan.
- 4 kg
- 10 kg
- 0.40 sec
- 1976
What Happened
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announced the launch of two new SCARA robots, the YE4 and YE10, along with the compatible RCX440 controller, targeting cost-conscious Asian markets. The robots build on the YK-XE Series, offering enhanced performance over sustained operations through improved motor heat dissipation and cost reductions via optimized key parts. The RCX440 controller inherits the operating interface of the current RCX340, enabling a smooth transition, and eliminates the need for home position calibration during installation or relocation.
- YE4: 4 kg; YE10: 10 kg
- YE4: 0.40 sec; YE10: 0.36-0.42 sec (depending on model)
- Replaces resolver with encoder for improved sensor resolution and lower cost
- Allows continued use of existing RCX-Studio software, PBX, and I/O interfaces
- Reduces power consumption of absolute battery, enabling installation on the robot itself
- Eliminates home position calibration during setup, reducing installation time
The market for SCARA robots is active due to widespread NEV adoption and labor shortages. Demand is growing in automotive electronics (lithium-ion battery assembly, power semiconductor placement) as well as food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics manufacturing in cleanroom environments. Yamaha Motor aims to enhance its market presence with the cost-competitive YE Series, which maintains performance in payload, speed, and accuracy.
Why this matters
These robots help manufacturers automate tasks like assembly and packaging, addressing labor shortages and supporting industries like NEVs. They reduce setup time and costs, making automation more accessible to Asian manufacturers, especially in automotive electronics and cleanroom environments.
Terms in This Story
- SCARA robot
- Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm; a type of industrial robot used for assembly and handling tasks.
- resolver
- An analog rotary sensor that measures the angular position of a motor shaft.
- encoder
- A digital sensor that converts rotary motion to electronic signals for position feedback.
- NEV
- New Energy Vehicle, including electric and hybrid vehicles.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.