Compatible with Advanced Robotics Automation Platform Yamaha Motor Launches New Single-axis Robot Series AC Servo Motor GX Series and Stepping Motor YLE Series

IWATA, October 17, 2016—Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Tokyo: 7272) announced today that it will launch new single-axis robot products from December 1, 2016. Both compatible with the newly-developed “Advanced Robotics Automation Platform” integrated control robot system, the GX series features AC servo motor, and the YLE series is a stepping motor type.

The AC servo motor GX series now includes compatibility with high-performance and high-accuracy ground ball screws as standard in all models. The lead accuracy is Japanese Industrial Standard accuracy class C5, and the repeatability is ±0.005mm, approximately double that of previous models^*. At the same time reduced noise levels and longer life have also been achieved.

Moreover, by fitting a high-durability dust-proof stainless steel sheet as standard onto the upper surface of the main unit in all models, contamination by foreign matter is reduced and the degree of cleanliness increased. In addition, the main unit overall length has been significantly shortened compared to the motion stroke, and with the cable removal direction being changeable by the customer and with an optional bending unit able to be retrofitted, further shortening of the overall length is possible, increasing the freedom in layout. Finally, the main unit can be fitted from either the lower and upper surface, contributing to increased device density and space saving.

By contrast, the stepping motor YLE series achieves both high functionality and low cost. The lineup has been upgraded focusing on compact types, with a total of six types (slider type, rod type, slide table type, rotary type, gripper type, and miniature type) and 69 models creating 180 variants in the new lineup.

Integrated control of both the GX series and YLE series is possible with the YHX series integrated controller, enabling increased space efficiency, decreased introduction cost, and efficient and comprehensive control of the overall system. Through a broad product lineup and appropriate performance, size, and cost to match customer needs, the GX series and YLE series can flexibly and rapidly adapt to a wide range of applications
*Compared to the FLIP-X series F type. October 2016, Yamaha Motor data

Market Background and Product Outline

With the recent trend toward the automation and semi-automation of manufacturing work processes in manufacturing sites, there is demand for a wide range of actuators; within that demand, the market for low-cost and highly reliable, accurate, and durable actuators is expanding.

Through appropriate performance and size to match the needs of these demands and expanding markets, the GX series and YLE series flexibly and rapidly adapt to a wide range of applications.

Moreover, integrated control of multiple robots is possible with the YHX series integrated controller, enabling the provision of a variety of benefits, such as decreased introduction and operating costs, reduced setup time, and space saving.

Main Features of the GX Series

The adoption of ground ball screws as standard achieves approximately double the accuracy of previous models

All models now include compatibility with high-efficiency and high-accuracy ground ball screws as standard. Thanks to this upgrade, the lead accuracy is Japanese Industrial Standard accuracy class C5, and the repeatability is ±0.005mm, approximately double that of previous models. At the same time reduced noise levels and longer life have also been achieved.

The adoption of a dust-proof stainless steel sheet as standard in all models enables compatibility with clean environments

The fitment of a high-durability dust-proof stainless steel sheet as standard equipment onto the upper surface of the main unit in all models reduces contamination by external foreign matter.

Moreover, as air suction taps are also standard equipment, usage in clean environments is now possible simply by connecting piping and applying suction.

Saving space by shortening the main unit overall length compared to the motion stroke, and a bending unit

The overall length compared to the motion stroke is now among the shortest in the industry.

Moreover, a bending unit can be installed or even retrofitted freely on top, underneath, on the left, or on the right, increasing the freedom of design to suit the device layout, and contributing to increased device density.

Main Features of the YLE Series

Lineup to suit a wide range of requirements

The stepping motor achieves similar functionality to a servo motor model at low cost, and the total of six types and 69 models (creating 180 variants in the new product lineup) provide new solutions for a range of applications. These include the slider type, which belying its compact size has a maximum payload of 65kg, the rod type, with a maximum stroke of 500mm, the slide table type, which is compact with high rigidity, the rotary type, which is compact and uses a rotating axis, the gripper type, which provides a variety of grip force variations, and the miniature type, which is compact and lightweight.