Epson Robots is the world's #1 SCARA robot manufacturer by unit volume — a title it has held for over a decade. A division of Seiko Epson Corporation, Epson Robots ships more SCARA robots annually than FANUC, ABB, or Yaskawa. Their robots are ubiquitous in electronics assembly, semiconductor handling, pharmaceutical packaging, and laboratory automation. In 2026, Epson robot prices range from $10,000 for a compact G-series SCARA to $60,000+ for the 6-axis N-series.
This guide covers every major Epson product line, their 2026 price ranges, and how they compare to Chinese SCARA brands that offer comparable performance at 30–50% lower cost.
Quick Answer: Epson SCARA robots cost $10,000–$35,000 depending on reach and payload. The popular G6 series (6 kg, 550 mm reach) runs $12,000–$18,000. Chinese SCARA equivalents cost $6,000–$12,000 — a 30–50% saving.
Why Epson Leads the SCARA Market
Epson's dominance comes from three advantages:
- Proprietary RC8+ controller — compact, fast, and deeply integrated with Epson's vision and force sensing
- All-in-one arm design — cables and air lines routed internally, reducing wear and easing cleaning in food/pharma environments
- Extensive software ecosystem — EPSON RC+ IDE supports simulation, vision, conveyor tracking, and multi-arm coordination
Epson Robot Price by Series (2026)
G Series — Compact SCARA (The Market Volume Leader)
The G series is Epson's bread-and-butter SCARA lineup, covering 175–850 mm reach and 1–8 kg payload. It's the world's best-selling SCARA family.
| Model | Payload | Reach | Speed (Vmax) | Price (FOB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G1-171S | 1 kg | 175 mm | 4,900 mm/s | $8,000–$12,000 |
| G3-251S | 3 kg | 250 mm | 5,900 mm/s | $9,000–$14,000 |
| G6-451S | 6 kg | 450 mm | 6,900 mm/s | $10,000–$16,000 |
| G6-551S | 6 kg | 550 mm | 6,900 mm/s | $12,000–$18,000 |
| G6-651S | 6 kg | 650 mm | 6,900 mm/s | $13,000–$19,000 |
| G10-654S | 10 kg | 650 mm | 6,500 mm/s | $16,000–$24,000 |
| G20-854S | 20 kg | 850 mm | 5,900 mm/s | $20,000–$30,000 |
Applications: PCB component insertion, electronics assembly, blister pack filling, syringe filling, wafer handling, cosmetics packaging.
Note on speed: Epson G series cycle time for a standard 25×300×25 mm pick-and-place cycle is 0.28–0.32 seconds — among the fastest in the SCARA category.
T Series — All-in-One Compact SCARA (Plug-and-Play)
The T series integrates the controller directly into the arm base — eliminating the need for a separate controller cabinet and reducing floor space by 40%.
| Model | Payload | Reach | Controller | Price (FOB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T3-401S | 3 kg | 400 mm | Built-in | $9,000–$14,000 |
| T6-B | 6 kg | 600 mm | Built-in | $12,000–$18,000 |
| T6-B-IV | 6 kg | 600 mm | Built-in + Vision | $18,000–$26,000 |
Applications: Small machine tending, desktop automation, laboratory liquid handling, food portion packaging. The T series is especially popular for distributed automation where multiple small robots are placed throughout a production line.
N Series — Mid-Payload SCARA
The N series covers 12–20 kg payloads for heavier SCARA applications — sub-assembly handling, die casting part extraction, heavy carton closing.
| Model | Payload | Reach | Price (FOB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| N2-A450S | 2 kg | 450 mm | $14,000–$20,000 |
| N6-A1000RS | 6 kg | 1,000 mm | $18,000–$26,000 |
| N6-A850SZ | 6 kg | 850 mm | $16,000–$24,000 |
| N12-A1400RS | 12 kg | 1,400 mm | $24,000–$35,000 |
C Series — 6-Axis Vertical Articulated Arms
Epson's 6-axis lineup is smaller than their SCARA range but covers assembly and machine tending applications that require full 3D motion.
| Model | Payload | Reach | Repeatability | Price (FOB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C4-A601S | 4 kg | 600 mm | ±0.02 mm | $18,000–$28,000 |
| C8-A1400S | 8 kg | 1,400 mm | ±0.02 mm | $22,000–$32,000 |
| C12-A1400S | 12 kg | 1,400 mm | ±0.02 mm | $26,000–$38,000 |
Applications: PCB inspection, dispensing, screw fastening, small part assembly. Epson 6-axis robots use the same RC8+ controller as the SCARA family — reducing programming complexity for facilities already running Epson SCARAs.
Epson vs. Chinese SCARA Brands: Price Comparison
| Specification | Epson Price | Chinese Equivalent | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kg, 400 mm SCARA | $9K–$14K | $5K–$9K (Yamaha, Hiwin) | 35–50% |
| 6 kg, 550 mm SCARA | $12K–$18K | $6K–$12K (Dorna, KINHWA) | 35–50% |
| 10 kg, 650 mm SCARA | $16K–$24K | $9K–$16K (ESTUN, Dorna) | 30–45% |
| 6 kg, 6-axis | $18K–$28K | $10K–$18K (ROKAE, Mech-Mind) | 35–45% |
When to choose Epson:
- High-volume electronics or pharma lines where cycle time is critical (Epson G series is fastest in class)
- Facilities requiring Epson's IVS (Integrated Vision System) or force guide feedback
- Cleanroom-rated applications (Epson offers ISO Class 5–10 variants)
- Japan or Taiwan-based manufacturing where Epson's local support is strongest
When to choose a Chinese SCARA:
- Standard pick-and-place applications where cycle time difference is not critical
- Cost-sensitive projects where 40% savings on hardware change ROI calculation
- Applications where open-standard controller is preferred over Epson's proprietary RC+
Epson vs. FANUC vs. Yaskawa SCARA: Comparison
| Factor | Epson G6 | FANUC SR-6iA | Yaskawa SGP10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payload | 6 kg | 6 kg | 10 kg |
| Reach | 550 mm | 650 mm | 500 mm |
| Cycle time (25×300×25) | 0.30 sec | 0.34 sec | 0.32 sec |
| Repeatability | ±0.01 mm | ±0.01 mm | ±0.01 mm |
| Controller | RC8+ | iRVision | YRC1000micro |
| Price (FOB) | $12K–$18K | $15K–$22K | $14K–$20K |
Epson Integration Costs
| Component | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Vacuum gripper or EOAT | $800–$5,000 |
| Conveyor tracking (optional) | $2,000–$8,000 |
| Epson IVS vision system | $4,000–$10,000 |
| Safety fencing or light curtain | $1,500–$8,000 |
| Programming & commissioning | $3,000–$20,000 |
| **Total added costs** | **$11,300–$51,000** |
Note: Epson's T-series built-in controller eliminates the need for a controller cabinet, saving $2,000–$5,000 in electrical panel space and wiring. This makes the T-series particularly cost-effective for distributed automation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Epson SCARA robot cost?
Epson SCARA robots range from $8,000 for the G1 compact model to $35,000 for the N12 heavy-payload arm. The most popular G6-551S (6 kg, 550 mm reach) costs $12,000–$18,000. Chinese SCARA robots with equivalent specs cost $6,000–$12,000.
Why is Epson the #1 SCARA brand?
Epson has the highest SCARA unit volume globally due to a combination of compact design, fast cycle times, competitive pricing vs. FANUC/ABB/Yaskawa, and dominance in electronics manufacturing where SCARA robots are the preferred solution for PCB assembly and component handling.
What is the difference between Epson G, T, and N series?
G series: standard SCARA with external controller, widest model range, highest speed. T series: all-in-one design with built-in controller for space-constrained applications. N series: heavier payload (12–20 kg) for larger parts. C series: 6-axis vertical articulated for applications requiring full 3D motion.
Is Epson SCARA suitable for cleanroom use?
Yes. Epson offers cleanroom-rated variants (suffix CR or IV) for G, T, and C series, certified to ISO Class 5 (Class 100) or Class 10 (Class 1000). These versions use sealed joints, lubricant-free components, and internal cable routing to minimize particle generation. Premium over standard models is typically 15–25%.
What programming language does Epson use?
Epson uses SPEL+ (a proprietary language similar to BASIC) within the EPSON RC+ IDE. RC+ supports offline simulation, vision calibration, force guide setup, and multi-arm coordination. The learning curve is steeper than Universal Robots' GUI-based programming but less complex than FANUC's TP programming for vision-integrated applications.
What are good Chinese alternatives to Epson SCARA?
For standard pick-and-place: Dorna Technology (China), KINHWA, Hiwin (Taiwan). For higher payload: ESTUN's ER-SCARA series, STEP's SCARA lineup. These offer comparable cycle times at 30–50% lower price, with open-standard controllers that many engineers find easier to integrate with PLC systems.
Browse Chinese SCARA Alternatives
GrabaRobot lists SCARA robots from Chinese and Taiwanese manufacturers at 30–50% below Epson pricing — factory-direct with full technical support.