Universal Robots, a collaborative robot manufacturer, has more than 20 new Universal Robots+ (UR+) products from 14 different developers. "The UR+ platform is a new online showroom that takes the trial and error process out of creating a robot application by providing access to products verified to work optimally with UR robots. From grippers to software, sensors, vision cameras, and accessories, UR+ not only enables end users to hit the ground running when integrating UR robots, it is also a collaboration between Universal Robots and the developer partners," said a company spokesperson.
"What really differentiates us is our focus on growing this network of technology partners to ensure fast and easy deployment of our robot arms. We are hoping to grow the platform to feature around 100 UR+ solutions by the end of 2017," said CTO and Co-founder of Universal Robots, Esben Ostergaard.
One of the partners currently in the UR+ process is FESTO. At Automate 2017, the company showed a new solution for extending the reach of UR 6-axis robots through a horizontal or vertical 7th axis. This new solution is based on the FESTO electric linear-axis EGC-HD and CMMP-M3 servo-drive with the company's advanced safety module. The servo-controlled actuators have been integrated within UR's programming environment, designed to be compatible with the full range of UR robots.
"This new solution will enable UR customers to bring 7-axis systems to market faster and with less design overhead," said Mike DeMange, Business Development Specialist with FESTO. "The partners examined customer needs as well as competitive offerings, and developed an effective and versatile 7-axis system, a solution designed for easy integration without having to learn multiple software platforms."
"It is similar to a handshake," said CEO of ATI, Robert Little. "The force/torque sensor measures the touch and feel and gives life to robots. It is a feedback mechanism. For factories wanting to get deeper into automation, their cobots can use these sensors to do more of what those human laborers accomplish in terms of dexterity and efficiency. Universal Robots' UR+ platform allows ATI to fully integrate our force/torque sensors with their robots, making it very simple for customers to program force-guided applications."
Along with the development of UR+ solutions, Universal Robots is also growing its network of Certified System Integrators (CSIs). Kubica Corp., a UR CSI, showcased an interactive augmented reality application featuring a UR10 robot assembling a door panel assisted by a Light Guide System (LGS) from OPS Solutions, an augmented reality tool. By projecting a digital operating "canvas" directly onto the workspace, LGS combines the best of human intelligence and automation technology to direct the robot and the operator through the required assembly tasks.
"We chose to show a door panel build as this is a labor-intensive process prone to human error, which is now significantly reduced by having the UR cobot handle several of the assembly tasks, working in tandem with the operator. We found that the UR10 robot has some built-in features that make it the perfect robot to accomplish this task," said Scott Lown, Controls Engineer with Kubica Corp.
For more information contact:
Universal Robots USA
5430 Data Court, Suite 300
Ann Arbor, MI
844-462-6268
ur.na@universal-robots.com
www.universal-robots.com