Edwards’ prototype SubFab robot, Project Percheron (or ESV-X) was recently awarded the prestigious ‘Best of West’ award at the 2020 Virtual SEMICON West. The ESV-X loads equipment without the need for human intervention and autonomously delivers it to work locations within a semiconductor factory.
Presented annually by SEMI and Semiconductor Digest, the Best of West award recognizes innovative new products or services that significantly advance the electronics manufacturing supply chain or a particular manufacturing capability. The ESV-X loads equipment without human intervention and autonomously delivers it to work locations within a semiconductor factory to minimize scheduled and unplanned downtime and the need for other transportation equipment while increasing customer safety. The ESV-X also frees technicians to focus on more strategic work.
Featuring state-of-the-art autonomous motion technology, the ESV-X uses mapping and localization to navigate semiconductor environments. Omni-directional movement and real-time rerouting allow the ESV-X to maneuver through dynamic and confined environments in ways never before possible with automated materials handlers. What’s more, onboard safety systems keep nearby chip manufacturing staff at a safe distance without interfering in their work.
“There’s a big emphasis on innovation at this year’s SEMICON West,” said Pete Singer, Editorin-Chief of Semiconductor Digest. “The Edwards ESV-X is a great example of a supplier looking at new ways to improve factory efficiency and safety while saving time and money.”