In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and distribution landscape, speed, precision, and flexibility in packaging and labeling have become make-or-break factors for businesses. As consumer demands for personalized products, serialized packaging, and on-demand customization surge, traditional manual or rigid labeling systems struggle to keep up—often leading to inefficiencies, errors, and wasted resources. To address this gap, Integrated Productivity Systems (IPSi), a trusted reseller partner of Epson, has developed a groundbreaking solution: an automated print-and-apply labeling system that combines Epson’s ColorWorks® on-demand color label printers with the Epson VT6L 6-Axis robot. This one-to-one automated system delivers high-quality, customized color labels with unprecedented efficiency, offering small to mid-sized businesses a cost-effective way to streamline operations. A video demonstration of the solution is available here.
Bridging Automation Gaps for Small to Mid-Size Businesses
IPSi has long focused on empowering small to mid-size manufacturers and distributors—many of which lack the in-house expertise or resources to design and implement complex process improvements. Recognizing the untapped potential of merging high-quality color labeling with robotic precision, IPSi partnered with JM Automation Services, a specialist in custom automated machinery, to develop this state-of-the-art system. The result is a flexible, user-friendly solution that brings professional-grade color labeling and automation to businesses that need it most.
“Today’s businesses need to print high-quality, unique color labels on demand—whether for personalization, one-to-one marketing, or serialization where every label must differ,” explained Rick Schilling, president of IPSi. “By integrating Epson’s ColorWorks printers with their 6-axis robot, we’ve created a system that tackles even the toughest labeling challenges, adapting seamlessly to flat containers, round bottles, and everything in between.”
The Power of Epson’s Technology: Precision Meets Versatility
At the core of the solution are two Epson innovations: the ColorWorks® label printers and the VT6L 6-Axis robot.
ColorWorks Printers: The CW-C6000P (1–4 inch width) and CW-C6500P (1–8 inch width) deliver vibrant, on-demand color labels with a peel-and-present feature, ideal for dynamic labeling needs. Equipped with standard Applicator I/O control ports, they integrate effortlessly with automated systems, ensuring smooth synchronization with robotic application.
VT6L 6-Axis Robot: This full-featured robot combines an all-in-one design (with a built-in controller) to save factory space, while its slimline structure and compact wrist pitch enable access to tight, hard-to-reach areas—critical for labeling irregularly shaped containers.
Together, the system leverages the robot’s end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) to pick freshly printed labels and apply them with pinpoint accuracy, eliminating manual errors and speeding up production cycles.
Why Automation Matters: Efficiency, Cost Savings, and Agility
For businesses, the benefits are clear:
Streamlined Operations: On-demand printing reduces the need for pre-printed label inventory, minimizing waste from design changes or product updates.
Error Reduction: Robotic precision ensures labels are applied consistently, avoiding misalignment or misprints that can derail production.
Scalability: The system adapts to varying label sizes and container types, making it ideal for businesses with diverse product lines.
Time and Cost Savings: By cutting manual labor and reducing waste, the solution lowers operational costs while boosting throughput.
“Andy Scherz, senior product manager for Commercial Labels at Epson America, noted, “This on-demand color label solution is a game-changer for businesses needing unique labels for every container. IPSi’s innovation showcases how automation can elevate industrial labeling to new levels of efficiency.”
Scott Marsic, group product manager for Epson Robots, added, “Epson’s robots are designed to make automation accessible. The VT6L is easy to program, quick to integrate, and versatile enough to handle everything from labeling to pick-and-place tasks—relieving the stress of adopting new technology.”
Ready for Action: Proven in Real-World Use
The IPSi-Epson solution is not just a concept—it’s already installed and delivering results for IPSi customers, proving its reliability in real-world manufacturing and distribution environments.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Automated Labeling
As consumer demands for customization continue to grow, the need for agile, automated labeling systems will only intensify. IPSi’s integration of Epson’s ColorWorks printers and VT6L robot represents a step forward in making advanced automation accessible to businesses of all sizes—democratizing efficiency and precision in packaging.
About IPSi
IPSi specializes in custom data collection, label printing, and process improvement solutions for businesses of all sizes. By combining expertise in automated systems with a practical, problem-solving approach, IPSi helps manufacturing and distribution operations run efficiently, day in and day out.
About Epson Robots
A global leader in precision factory automation, Epson Robots has sold over 150,000 units worldwide, offering a broad range of SCARA and 6-axis robots for industries including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and medical devices. With a 40-year heritage, Epson Robots delivers user-friendly, PC-based solutions for precision assembly and material handling.
About Epson
Epson is a global technology leader focused on innovations that enrich lives and address societal challenges. From home printing to industrial manufacturing, Epson aims to be carbon negative and eliminate reliance on exhaustible resources by 2050. Led by Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group generates annual sales exceeding JPY 1 trillion.
