The growth of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry and the acceleration of global energy transition have highlighted the importance of materials, components, and equipment technology as key competitive advantages in advanced manufacturing. Increased investment in AI data centers is supporting demand for high-performance semiconductors and electronic components, while the growth of the renewable energy sector is driving the need for new manufacturing technologies, such as next-generation solar cells.
On October 23, Epson announced that it is strengthening its B2B business in advanced manufacturing, focusing on industrial robots and printheads based on precision control and inkjet technology.
As manufacturing environments evolve, precision technology that addresses the miniaturization of components and the complexity of processes is becoming increasingly important. The scope of materials and components technology is expanding to enhance productivity and efficiency in manufacturing processes, from automation technologies that accurately transport and assemble tiny parts to techniques that precisely apply functional materials where needed.
In this context, Epson is leveraging its long-standing expertise in precision control and inkjet technology to enhance its B2B portfolio with core equipment and components for manufacturing, including industrial robots and printheads.
During a press conference in September marking the 30th anniversary of Epson Korea and the visit of its global CEO, the company introduced its long-term vision, 'Engineered Future 2035,' and outlined its strategy to focus on growth areas such as robotics and industrial inkjet and microdevices. Notably, it aims to strengthen its business in Korea, a key market for advanced manufacturing in semiconductors, secondary batteries, and IT.
This business expansion is reflected in Epson Korea's performance. For the fiscal year 2025, the company reported sales of 227.6 billion won, an increase of approximately 28% from the previous year. The 'Precision Innovation' segment, which includes inkjet solutions and microdevices, saw a remarkable growth of about 205%, reaching 54.1 billion won. The 'Industrial and Robotics' segment, which encompasses commercial and industrial printing as well as robotics, also grew by approximately 24%, totaling 37 billion won.
In recent years, Epson has steadily expanded its B2B business in industrial robots and printheads, increasing its technology collaboration with manufacturing customers in Korea.
As the AI industry expands, the importance of semiconductors and electronic components is rising, making it crucial to achieve both production efficiency and precision in related manufacturing processes. The accurate transport and assembly of small components, as well as ensuring precision in repetitive tasks, are key factors that influence manufacturing competitiveness.
To meet this demand, Epson is developing its industrial robotics business, focusing on SCARA robots and six-axis robots. SCARA robots are suitable for the transport and assembly of small components due to their fast and precise movements. Six-axis robots can approach workpieces from multiple directions, making them useful for complex assembly processes.
The core competitive advantage of Epson's robots lies in their proprietary sensing and control technologies. The company's custom-developed force sensors detect minute forces during operation, allowing the robots to finely adjust the pressure applied to objects. The 'GyroPlus' technology detects and suppresses vibrations that occur during high-speed movements, enhancing accuracy and production efficiency.
Another area where the importance of materials and components technology is increasing in advanced manufacturing is in precision material application processes. In the electronics industry, including semiconductors and displays, the ability to supply functional materials in precise amounts to specific locations is critical.
Epson is extending its inkjet technology, accumulated from its printer business, into these advanced manufacturing fields. The key is its proprietary 'PrecisionCore' technology, which is based on micro-piezo technology that pushes liquids through fine nozzles without applying heat, allowing for precise dispensing of functional liquids where needed.
This technology enables the precise application of not only standard printing inks but also various functional materials. It has potential applications in forming electronic circuit patterns and manufacturing displays, reducing raw material waste by supplying materials only where needed.
Recently, Epson has also broadened its technological applications to next-generation energy sectors, exemplified by perovskite solar cells. These lightweight, thin, and flexible solar cells require uniform application of functional materials during manufacturing.
Epson is responding to related manufacturing processes with the announcement of its industrial inkjet printhead 'S3200-S1' for strong solvent applications in 2025. Following its investment in domestic inkjet manufacturing equipment specialist Gosan Tech in 2025, Epson announced additional investment in July 2026.
Meanwhile, Epson is also increasing its investments to nurture industrial technology as a long-term growth driver. In line with its long-term vision 'Engineered Future 2035' and its first medium-term management plan, the company plans to invest a total of ¥280 billion (approximately 2.3653 trillion won) over the next three years in growth and strategic areas such as precision innovation and industrial robotics.
Epson aims to raise the share of its industrial domain in total sales from 33% in the fiscal year 2025 to 50% by 2035. The strategy focuses on enhancing the business structure around core industrial technologies and automation solutions while maintaining the competitiveness of its existing core businesses.
Epson views Korea not merely as a market for product sales but as a 'co-creation' partner for developing technologies and solutions. The company plans to expand new B2B business opportunities by combining the manufacturing capabilities of domestic companies with strengths in precision technology.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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