Yamaha Motor Launches New YE4 and YE10 SCARA Robots and RCX440 Controller - Cost-effective SCARA robot series for China and other Asian markets -
July 23, 2026
IWATA, July 23, 2026 - Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Tokyo: 7272) announced that it will launch today two new SCARA robots (horizontal articulated robots), the YE4 and YE10, together with the compatible RCX440 controller. These new models combine high performance with outstanding cost efficiency. The YE4 and YE10 build on the proven high productivity of the YK-XE Series while improving performance over sustained operations and reducing costs through the optimization of key parts and components.
The RCX440 inherits the operating interface of the current RCX340 multi-axis controller, enabling a smoother and easier transition to the new products. In addition, the rotary sensor has been changed from a resolver to an encoder, improving sensor resolution while reducing the number of components to achieve lower costs. Furthermore, by reducing the power consumption of the absolute battery, which retains the robot's home position data, the number of batteries required has been reduced, allowing the battery to be installed on the SCARA robot itself. As a result, home position calibration is no longer required during installation or relocation, helping reduce the time required for setup.
YE4 SCARA robot
YE10 SCARA robot
Market Background and Product Outline
Against the backdrop of the recent widespread adoption of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) and a global labor shortage, the market for SCARA robots, which contribute to the automation of manufacturing processes, is extremely active. In addition to the traditional fields of electrical and electronic components, such as smartphones and PCs, demand has continued to grow in recent years for automotive electronics, including lithium-ion battery module assembly and power semiconductor placement, as well as for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics manufacturing processes in particular, where the need for automation in cleanroom environments is increasing (Yamaha Motor survey).
Given these developments and the growth in market needs, Yamaha Motor developed the YE Series as a cost-conscious range of SCARA robots offering strong price competitiveness for Asian markets, including China, ASEAN countries, India and Japan, while maintaining existing performance in areas such as payload, speed, and accuracy. By launching products that align with market needs, Yamaha Motor aims to further enhance its market presence.
Since Yamaha Motor introduced SCARA robots into its own factories in 1976, the Company has continued to expand its product lineup in response to market needs and now offers one of the industry's most extensive product ranges. By enabling clients to select models suiting their operations best from an even broader range of variations, Yamaha Motor contributes to the optimization of production equipment and the reduction of capital investment costs for clients worldwide.
Key Features of the YE4 and YE10 SCARA Robots
Further Enhanced Performance of the Cost-Effective YK-XE Series
In addition to maximum payload capacities suitable for a wide range of applications, including small-part assembly, packaging, sorting, and inspection (4 kg for the YE4 and 10 kg for the YE10), the robots offer excellent standard cycle times that contribute to higher productivity (0.40 sec. for the YE4 and 0.36-0.42 sec. for the YE10, depending on the model), as well as high repeatability, essential for precision assembly and sealing applications. Performance over sustained operations has been improved by enhancing motor heat dissipation. Building on the high performance and low cost of the existing YK-XE Series, Yamaha Motor has further enhanced performance while achieving additional cost reductions through a review of key parts and components.
Key Features of the RCX440 Controller
Reduced Costs While Maintaining the Familiar Operating Interface
Based on the current RCX340 controller, the RCX440 replaces the resolver with an encoder, improving sensor resolution while reducing costs through the optimization of the electronic circuitry and enclosure structure. The existing RCX-Studio software, PBX, and I/O interfaces can continue to be used, eliminating the need to purchase additional software or a teach pendant, enabling low-cost, seamless implementation.
The RCX440 inherits the operating interface of the current RCX340 multi-axis controller, enabling a smoother and easier transition to the new products. In addition, the rotary sensor has been changed from a resolver to an encoder, improving sensor resolution while reducing the number of components to achieve lower costs. Furthermore, by reducing the power consumption of the absolute battery, which retains the robot's home position data, the number of batteries required has been reduced, allowing the battery to be installed on the SCARA robot itself. As a result, home position calibration is no longer required during installation or relocation, helping reduce the time required for setup.
YE4 SCARA robot
YE10 SCARA robot
RCX440 controller
Market Background and Product Outline
Against the backdrop of the recent widespread adoption of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) and a global labor shortage, the market for SCARA robots, which contribute to the automation of manufacturing processes, is extremely active. In addition to the traditional fields of electrical and electronic components, such as smartphones and PCs, demand has continued to grow in recent years for automotive electronics, including lithium-ion battery module assembly and power semiconductor placement, as well as for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics manufacturing processes in particular, where the need for automation in cleanroom environments is increasing (Yamaha Motor survey).
Given these developments and the growth in market needs, Yamaha Motor developed the YE Series as a cost-conscious range of SCARA robots offering strong price competitiveness for Asian markets, including China, ASEAN countries, India and Japan, while maintaining existing performance in areas such as payload, speed, and accuracy. By launching products that align with market needs, Yamaha Motor aims to further enhance its market presence.
Since Yamaha Motor introduced SCARA robots into its own factories in 1976, the Company has continued to expand its product lineup in response to market needs and now offers one of the industry's most extensive product ranges. By enabling clients to select models suiting their operations best from an even broader range of variations, Yamaha Motor contributes to the optimization of production equipment and the reduction of capital investment costs for clients worldwide.
Key Features of the YE4 and YE10 SCARA Robots
Further Enhanced Performance of the Cost-Effective YK-XE Series
In addition to maximum payload capacities suitable for a wide range of applications, including small-part assembly, packaging, sorting, and inspection (4 kg for the YE4 and 10 kg for the YE10), the robots offer excellent standard cycle times that contribute to higher productivity (0.40 sec. for the YE4 and 0.36-0.42 sec. for the YE10, depending on the model), as well as high repeatability, essential for precision assembly and sealing applications. Performance over sustained operations has been improved by enhancing motor heat dissipation. Building on the high performance and low cost of the existing YK-XE Series, Yamaha Motor has further enhanced performance while achieving additional cost reductions through a review of key parts and components.
Key Features of the RCX440 Controller
Reduced Costs While Maintaining the Familiar Operating Interface
Based on the current RCX340 controller, the RCX440 replaces the resolver with an encoder, improving sensor resolution while reducing costs through the optimization of the electronic circuitry and enclosure structure. The existing RCX-Studio software, PBX, and I/O interfaces can continue to be used, eliminating the need to purchase additional software or a teach pendant, enabling low-cost, seamless implementation.
