MANILA, Philippines (Jun 2026) — The faster a robot arm moves, the harder it is to keep it accurate. Vibration builds up, tiny errors compound, and in industries where a fraction of a millimeter matters, the results can be costly.
It’s a problem that’s become more urgent as Philippine manufacturers — particularly in electronics, semiconductors, medical devices, and automotive components — push for higher output while trying to keep defect rates low. And it’s a problem Epson thinks it can solve with technology that traces back to something far smaller than a factory floor: a quartz watch.
From the wrist to the assembly line
Epson built the world’s first analog quartz watch, and the same principles of precision timekeeping are now driving its industrial robotics. The company has developed proprietary ultra-compact Gyro Sensors that combine quartz crystal technology with its own micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) manufacturing process.
The sensors are small enough to sit at the tip of a robot arm, where they continuously detect even microscopic vibrations in real time and feed that data back to the robot’s control system. The robot then compensates automatically, correcting its movement before errors can accumulate.
The practical effect: manufacturers can run lines faster without the usual tradeoff in accuracy.
Where it matters most
The technology has clear applications across several high-stakes industries. In electronics manufacturing, robots routinely handle components so small that even a slight wobble can knock a placement off-spec. In medical device production, strict quality standards demand a level of consistency that’s difficult to achieve manually or with less precise automation. In high-volume packaging and assembly environments, even marginal reductions in errors translate to less downtime and less waste.
“Manufacturers today are looking for ways to increase productivity without compromising quality,” said Masako Kusama, President and Director of Epson Philippines Corporation. “Through our expertise in quartz technology and robotics, Epson is helping businesses overcome this challenge by improving precision, reducing errors, and enabling more efficient production processes.”
Robots that can feel what they’re handling
Vibration control is only part of the picture. Epson is also building force-sensing capabilities into selected SCARA and 6-axis robots. These sensors let robots detect pressure in real time, so they can adjust their grip or movement when handling fragile parts or performing delicate assembly work.
Combined, the two technologies aim to give automated systems something closer to a sense of touch, making them more reliable partners for manufacturers handling precision components.
“Precision has always been at the core of everything Epson builds,” Kusama added. “As more businesses in the Philippines explore automation, our goal is to provide practical and reliable solutions that help address real manufacturing challenges while supporting long-term growth.”
More information on Epson’s robotics and automation solutions is available at www.epson.com.ph.
