From automotive to life sciences, Epson demonstrates how AI-driven robotics is reshaping global manufacturing
Epson has taken centre stage at the International Robot Exhibition (IREX) 2025 in Tokyo, unveiling a powerful lineup of advanced robotics and AI-driven automation designed to tackle the most pressing challenges across manufacturing, automotive, EV, retail, food processing, and life sciences. Under the theme “Accelerating the Future with Robotics and Technology,” Epson demonstrated how intelligent automation can address labour shortages, improve quality control, and drive sustainable operations.
“Our robotics innovation is guided by society’s evolving needs, and IREX 2025 is where we show how AI and automation can create real-world impact,” said Yasunori Yoshino, Director & Executive Officer, Epson, during the company’s exhibitor seminar.
A major highlight was the AI-enabled Epson RC+ development environment, showcasing generative AI-assisted programming, cloud-based collaboration, and support for global standards such as OPC UA and ROS. This new environment simplifies automation deployment and accelerates system development.
For the automotive sector, Epson demonstrated a spectral vision inspection system developed with Subaru Corporation, capable of detecting subtle colour variations on painted surfaces—one of the industry’s most demanding quality challenges. In the EV domain, the company introduced the LS50 SCARA robot, engineered to handle 50-kg EV batteries with enhanced speed and stability over its predecessor, the LS20.
Retail automation took an innovative turn with the Huey™ nail polish kiosk, capable of generating custom colours from smartphone images—creating new experience-driven revenue models for stores. Meanwhile, in the life sciences segment, Epson unveiled the AX6 collaborative robot, which automates specimen pre-processing in research and medical labs.
The food sector also saw a breakthrough with the RS6 ceiling-mounted SCARA robot, designed for high-speed conveyor tracking and space-efficient macaron transport—addressing acute labour gaps in food manufacturing.
Beyond robotics, Epson also showcased direct-to-shape inkjet printing using its S800 print head and introduced advanced metal 3D printing through its collaboration with U.S.-based 3DEO, providing high-mix, low-volume manufacturing capabilities.
With AI, robotics, and precision engineering converging, Epson’s showcase at IREX 2025 reinforces the company’s commitment to shaping a smarter, more resilient manufacturing ecosystem.