UL Listed EPSON Robots

Carson, CA. --- February 1, 2003 --- The Factory Automation Robotics Division of Epson America, Inc. announced today that its E2 SCARA Robots with the RC420 and RC520 PC based Controllers passed all the stringent requirements of the ANSI/UL1740 Safety Standard and are now UL Listed.

‘‘It makes good business sense for manufacturing companies to use UL Listed robots,’‘ said John Clark, National Sales Manager of EPSON Robots. ‘‘Manufacturers want to be good corporate citizens with a reputation for providing a safe work environment. It’s one way to retain and protect one of their most valuable assets – hardworking, knowledgeable employees. Plus the rising costs of work related injuries and non-compliance with government regulations and generally recognized safety standards adversely affects the company’s bottom line. Using a robot that is UL Listed shows the company’s commitment to workplace safety and helps them be in compliance with growing local, state, national and internationalregulations requiring the usage of robots and manufacturing systems that have been tested and listed by UL.’‘

‘‘Epson robots, controllers and software as well as our manufacturing procedures underwent stringenttests and reviews by UL Robot safety professionals. Destructive testing was done to robot arms and controller components to ensure that in the event of component failures our robots will remain safe. Our software was also checked to make sure that in the event of a single software system failure our robot will remain safe. In addition, UL inspectors will continue to visit our factory to ensure continued compliance with the ANSI/UL 1740 Safety Standard.’‘ John concluded, ‘‘The UL Mark is a trusted symbol of safety. Itindicates that a piece of equipment complies with rigorous safety standards designed to protect the user.

In fact, EPSON is the only North America robot supplier with SCARA robots that have the UL Mark, theCE Mark and comply with all of the following robot safety standards: ANSI/UL 1740, ANSI/RIA 15.06 and CSA Z434-02. Once again EPSON Robots is showing what it takes to be the industry leader!’‘

With more than 17,000 machines installed and offices in Asia, Europe and North America, Epson Factory Automation Robotics is a global leader in high speed, high precision robots and related factory automation equipment. This equipment is used in the manufacturing of appliance, automotive, biotechnology, consumer, electronics, food, medical device, pharmaceutical, photonics, semiconductor and telecommunication products.