M1 Micro Bolt Assembly Automation using Epson N6 + FT Sensor

Industry > AutomotiveApplication > AssemblySector > Manufacturing

#MicroAssembly#BoltFastening#EpsonRobot#ForceTorqueSensor#PrecisionAssembly#CeilingMountRobot#TaktTimeReduction#QualityImprovement

Process Overview

This small-parts assembly automation solution uses an Epson N6 robot and an FT (Force-Torque) sensor to automate the assembly process for small M1 bolts.

For M1-class bolts, even minor positional deviations can easily lead to assembly failure, and if the bolt is not assembled with the proper force, it may result in part damage or misassembly. By combining Epson’s N6 robot with an FT sensor, this solution minimizes positioning errors and monitors force during operation to ensure stable assembly performance.

This solution is optimized for achieving both precise assembly and minimized takt time in limited space.

This project was implemented to automate the assembly process of micro bolts.

Components

Robot	Epson N6 6-axis articulated robot (folding arm) Payload: 6 kg (rated 3 kg) Max reach: 1,010 mm Weight: 69 kg Repeatability: ±0.04 mm
Peripherals	Vacuum suction bolt feeder 6-axis FT (Force-Torque) sensor S250L (high rigidity, high sensitivity) Rated load: 250 N / 18 Nm Resolution: 0.1 N / 0.003 Nm Measured components: force (X, Y, Z) / moment (Fx, Fy, Fz) — 6 axes Work cell Robot base (ceiling mounting) Bolt rack Assembly jig

Workflow

STEP 1.	Pick a bolt from the bolt rack (vacuum suction)
STEP 2.	Move to the assembly position and perform bolting
STEP 3.	Detect insertion force to confirm bolting success
STEP 4.	Move to the next bolting position after fastening is completed to the target torque

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Features

Enables precise micro bolt assembly operations
Performs accurate fastening based on target torque by applying an FT sensor capable of detecting 0.1 N / 0.003 Nm
Enables precision bolting for M1-size bolts by applying high repeatability
Prevents bolt damage through precise force sensing
Enables stable assembly even with part shape variation by applying controlled force
Ensures high-precision assembly without misalignment even in pre-assembly processes
Enables compact installation
Minimizes required floor space through ceiling-mounted robot cell design
Minimizes operator footprint through folding-arm structure
Minimizes takt time through high-speed, high-efficiency motion
Enables high-speed operation with a maximum joint speed of 537.8 deg/s
Shortens cycle time by enabling shortest-path movements even in confined space through folding-arm structure
Provides assurance through quality warranty coverage
Provides 1-year warranty service support

Results

ROI Period	26.4 months
Key Benefits	Reduced bolt assembly defects (missing assembly and torque defects) Reduced labor input for bolt assembly operations
Client Feedback	For micro bolts under M2, automation was difficult due to assembly tolerances, but through Dream’s solution, automation was successfully implemented.

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M1 Micro Bolt Assembly Automation using Epson N6 + FT Sensor

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Application Field: Industry > Automotive, Application > Assembly, Sector > Manufacturing

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