Encoder Products Company
Sagle, Idaho rotary encoder manufacturer founded 1969 by Bill Watts; makes Accu-Coder incremental and absolute encoders and the Tru-Trac line.
Encoder Products Company (EPC) manufactures rotary and linear motion feedback devices from its headquarters in Sagle, Idaho, where it has been based since 1985. Bill Watts founded the company in 1969, and EPC remains one of the larger privately held encoder manufacturers in North America, designing, manufacturing, and assembling its products at the Sagle facility rather than through contract manufacturers.
The product line is sold under the Accu-Coder and Accu-CoderPro brand names and covers incremental and absolute shaft encoders, thru-bore encoders, and motor-mount encoders, alongside the Tru-Trac linear measurement system and the newer LP1 Accu-LaserPro non-contact linear encoder. EPC's encoders are used for motor feedback, position sensing, and motion control in autonomous vehicles and robots, material handling equipment, aerospace systems, elevators, food and beverage processing, packaging lines, printing presses, textile machinery, and warehouse automation. The company holds ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management system.
EPC shipped its one-millionth encoder in the fall of 2002 and its two-millionth encoder in the summer of 2014, milestones the company attributes to sustained demand across its industrial customer base.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Accu-Coder Model 711 Cube Encoder
Original cube-style incremental rotary encoder, the first of its kind, for motion feedback in industrial and robotics applications.
Accu-CoderPro Model 58TP Programmable Encoder
Programmable incremental thru-bore encoder with field-configurable PPR for flexible motion sensing in automation and robotics.
Contact Encoder Products Company
WEBSITE
https://www.encoder.comPHONE
+1 800-366-5412HEADQUARTERS
United States
Company Facts
Founded
1969
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
-
Primary Region
North America
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
-
Certifications & Memberships
Kuka Systems and Magdeburg-Stendal University Launch Friction Stir Welding Research Cell
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Allgemein Lösungen Metallbearbeitung & Schweißen Robotersteuerung & Digital Twin
Integrated Technology Enhances Warehouse Equipment Operations and Decision-Making
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Materials Handling
354,000 Chinese Industrial Robots Transforming the Landscape of the 'Four Great Families
A significant development in the robotics sector has emerged, with 354,000 Chinese industrial robots reportedly toppling the city walls of the 'Four Great Families'. This event highlights the rapid advancements in robotics technology and its implications for urban infrastructure. The importance of this transformation lies in the potential for industrial robots to reshape traditional industries and urban environments. As these robots become more integrated into various sectors, they may lead to increased efficiency and innovation, challenging established norms and practices. Looking ahead, the ongoing evolution of robotics technology will be crucial to watch. The integration of such a large number of robots signifies a shift in how industries operate, and it will be interesting to see how this impacts future urban planning and industrial strategies. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Robotics Automation AI
China's Industrial Robot Installations Reached 354,000 in 2025, Dominating Global Market
In 2025, China installed 354,000 industrial robots, marking a 20% increase from the previous year and representing 59% of global installations, as reported by the International Federation of Robotics. This achievement solidifies China's position as the largest industrial-robot market for the second consecutive year. The global operational stock of industrial robots reached 5 million units in 2025, reflecting a 9% growth. Additionally, annual installations surpassed 600,000 units, indicating a robust demand for automation technologies across various industries. The United States has now surpassed Japan, becoming the second-largest market for industrial robots. Looking ahead, the continued growth in China's industrial robot installations suggests a strong commitment to automation and advanced manufacturing. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
News Feed
Autonomous Robots Navigate Predefined and Situationally Calculated Paths
Autonomous robots are designed to follow paths that are either predefined or calculated situationally. The conditions imposed on such paths are well-known from subtractive and additive manufacturing, yet their implementation remains complex. Spiral paths can offer several advantageous properties in this context. The ability of autonomous robots to navigate complex paths is significant for various applications in manufacturing and logistics. Understanding the intricacies of path conditions is crucial for optimizing robot performance and ensuring efficiency in operations. The exploration of spiral paths may enhance the capabilities of these robots, making them more effective in navigating challenging environments. Looking ahead, the development and refinement of path-following algorithms will be essential for improving the functionality of autonomous robots. As industries increasingly adopt these technologies, attention will be focused on how spiral paths can be integrated into existing systems. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Allgemein Anwendungen & Lösungen Lösungen
Otto Hofstetter Installs Robotic Cell for Efficient Component Handling in Automation
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Allgemein Anwendungen & Lösungen Greifer & Werkzeuge Kunststoff & Gummi Robotik
Interview with José António Bernardo on Physical AI and Robotics Challenges
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À la une Industrie Interview Robotique
Ophthalmic Surgical Robot Achieves Micron-Level Precision in Three Minutes
An innovative ophthalmic surgical robot has demonstrated the ability to restore vision in nearly blind patients within just three minutes, achieving precision at the micron level. This advancement in robotic surgery signifies a major leap forward in ophthalmology, potentially transforming treatment options for patients with severe vision impairment. The significance of this technology lies in its ability to perform complex surgical procedures with unprecedented accuracy, which could lead to improved outcomes for patients suffering from various eye conditions. The robot's rapid operation time and high precision could also reduce the overall burden on healthcare systems by streamlining surgical processes. Looking ahead, the continued development and deployment of this ophthalmic surgical robot will be crucial. Stakeholders in the healthcare and robotics sectors should monitor advancements in this technology, as it may pave the way for further innovations in minimally invasive surgical techniques. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Robotics Automation AI
World's First Intelligent Robot with Domestic Electronics Launches in Yichang
The world's first embodied intelligent robot, featuring fully domestically produced electronic architecture, made its debut in Yichang. This milestone represents a significant advancement in robotics technology, showcasing the capabilities of local manufacturing and innovation. The introduction of this robot is crucial as it highlights the growing trend of self-sufficiency in technology, particularly in the robotics sector. By utilizing domestically produced components, the robot aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology and enhance local expertise in robotics development. Looking ahead, the implications of this launch could influence future robotics projects and investments in China. As the industry evolves, stakeholders will be keen to observe how this robot performs in real-world applications and its potential impact on the global robotics market. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Robotics Automation AI
Chinese Startup Fangqi Technology Secures Angel Round Funding for Robotic Brain Development
Fangqi Technology, a startup founded by a Tsinghua University PhD, has successfully completed an angel round of funding worth millions. The company aims to transform skills into marketable products by developing a robotic brain that utilizes semantic world models to bridge the gap between physical and semantic knowledge. This innovative approach is significant as it addresses a critical challenge in robotics and AI, potentially enhancing the capabilities of intelligent systems. The importance of Fangqi Technology's work lies in its potential to revolutionize how robots understand and interact with the world. By focusing on embodied intelligence, the startup is positioning itself to meet the growing demand for advanced robotic solutions across various industries. This funding round reflects investor confidence in the company's vision and the broader trend of integrating semantic understanding into robotic applications. Looking ahead, Fangqi Technology's progress in developing its robotic brain will be closely monitored, especially as it seeks to commercialize its technology. The success of this venture could pave the way for new advancements in robotics and AI, making it a key player in the evolving landscape of intelligent manufacturing and automation. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Robotics Automation AI
China’s Dexterous Hand Industry, 2026 Part 2 — The Technology
Linkage, tendon, direct drive or hybrid — and why hardware is converging while the DL1–DL5 manipulation scale decides who wins. Part 2 of 3.
China’s Dexterous Hand Industry, 2026 Part 1 — The Demand Picture
MIR Databank puts China dexterous hand shipments above 30,000 units in 2026, yet only 3.5% of 2025 demand came from factory production. Part 1 of 3.
WRC 2026 Core Components: 137 Robot Parts Suppliers
The third report in the WRC 2026 series. Report 1 mapped all 248 exhibitors by category and Report 2 covered the 139 that build finished robots. This one covers the 137 that build what goes inside them.
WAIC Review 2/4: World Models vs. VLA: Robotics' Next 'ChatGPT Moment'
At WAIC 2026, world-model and VLA camps staked rival paths to generalist robots; Zhiyuan, SenseTime and NVIDIA predict a robot 'ChatGPT moment' in 2-5 years.
Integrated Joint Actuators 2026: Technology, Global Suppliers & China's Leap Forward
From rotary joints hitting 530 N·m+ to linear joints with planetary roller screws, integrated actuators are replacing the three-part drivetrain. Full supplier map: Tihu, PhyArc, RobStride, Schaeffler, maxon — and China's path from 1,000-RMB modules to global standard-setter.
The Core Components Battle of Indutrial Robot, Reducers, Servo Systems & Controllers
A technology-first analysis of the three pillars driving industrial robot capability: precision reducers, servo systems, and motion controllers. Maps the full global supplier ecosystem — Japan, Europe, and China — from component specs to product generations and integration architectures.
Agricultural Robotics | Autonomous Tractors: The $13B Platform Battle in Plain Sight
Autonomous tractors target a $2.7B market growing at 22% CAGR to 2032. Deep-dive on John Deere 8R, AGCO Fendt, CNH Industrial, Kubota AgriRobo, and Monarch MK-V — and why the platform war matters more than the hardware.
Vision-Based Tactile Sensing: The Race to Build What Tesla's Optimus Needs
Vision-based tactile sensing (VBT) is emerging as the critical missing piece for Tesla Optimus dexterous hands. This briefing covers the technology, six global milestones, a ten-company competitive landscape, and the Chinese startup ecosystem — including PaXini, Daimon Robotics, DouDong, WeiTi and QianJue.
Guangdong Huayan Robotics Files for Hong Kong Mainboard IPO
Guangdong Huayan Robotics (formerly Han’s Robot) files for Hong Kong Mainboard IPO seeking HK$1.37 billion at HK$17.00 per share. China’s leading full-stack cobot manufacturer reported RMB 310.4 million revenue in 2024 (+77% YoY) and carries strong cornerstone backing. Analysis of financial highlights, technology stack, market position, and related-party risk.
Hoson Tech Enters Humanoid Robotics with Hoson Robot
Hoson Tech expands into humanoid robotics with the Hoson Robot, bringing semiconductor-grade precision and embodied intelligence to real-world automation.
