Robotics & Automation News

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Universal Robots

Universal Robots showcases deep learning-based part detection for machine tending cobots at IMTS

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When Universal Robots (UR) recently surveyed 1,200 manufacturers across North America and Europe about their use of technology and future investment plans, over 50 percent of the respondents indicated they are now using AI and machine learning in their production processes.

“AI isn’t just hype,” says Ujjwal Kumar, group president of Teradyne Robotics, parent company of Universal Robots.

“We’re seeing significant interest in physical AI. By adding high-performance compute hardware to our control systems and investing in targeted software upgrades, we’re establishing UR as the preferred robotics platform for developing and deploying AI applications.” [Read more…] about Universal Robots showcases deep learning-based part detection for machine tending cobots at IMTS

Universal Robots app store now has offers than 500 products

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Universal Robots, the Danish collaborative robot (cobot) company, has reached a new milestone, says it has now launched over 500 products through its “UR+ ecosystem”, which is like an “app store” for the cobot community built around UR robots, and is also sometimes referred to as a marketplace.

This marks a significant growth in the ecosystem since it started in 2016 with the ambition of making Universal Robots (UR) an open-source-like platform that would empower developers to create groundbreaking solutions.

Today, the UR+ ecosystem offers a wide range of components, kits, applications and solutions within both hardware and software designed to meet various customer needs. [Read more…] about Universal Robots app store now has offers than 500 products

Universal Robots’ Safety Expert Recognized in ‘20 Exceptional Women in Robotics and Automation’ List by SME

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Roberta Nelson Shea, Universal Robots’ Global Technical Compliance Officer, is celebrated today by SME, the professional association committed to advancing manufacturing. SME is recognizing 20 successful female leaders working to broaden the use of robotics and automation in the smart manufacturing market globally. Nelson Shea made the list based on a lifelong career furthering the belief that productivity and robotics safety can be combined.
[Read more…] about Universal Robots’ Safety Expert Recognized in ‘20 Exceptional Women in Robotics and Automation’ List by SME

4 key questions to ask before getting started with collaborative robots

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By Darrell Adams, head, Southeast Asia and Oceania, Universal Robots

Small and mid-sized manufacturers can be especially hard hit by sudden changes such as economic volatility, intense competitive pressure, seasonal demands or even an unexpected global crisis, like the current Covid-19 pandemic.

When labour requirements increase or decrease drastically, having the ability to ramp up production when demand is high and remain sustainable during downtime is crucial.

For these companies, having a workforce supported by collaborative robots or cobots, would be a dream come true. [Read more…] about 4 key questions to ask before getting started with collaborative robots

Universal Robots reports sales of 37,000 units and launches new collaborative robot

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Universal Robots has launched a new collaborative robot with a higher payload capacity than the other three currently in its range – the new one has a 16 kg payload capability.

The company says its new UR16e expands collaborative robot solutions, adding heavy payload capability for manufacturers seeking to accelerate automation.

Universal Robots is the largest collaborative robot manufacturer in the world, having sold more units than other companies in the category. [Read more…] about Universal Robots reports sales of 37,000 units and launches new collaborative robot

Universal Robots opens authorised training centres in North America

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North American distributors of Universal Robots are now opening Authorized Training Centers (ATCs), offering classes spanning basic to advanced programming of UR cobots. The first four ATCs have been launched, with another nine to follow by end of 2019.

Universal Robots says it is committed to making collaborative robots (cobots) in the workplace accessible to all. The company is now building on the popular online modules offered through the UR Academy by enabling its sales channel to open ATCs.

Through hands-on classes hosted by UR trained teachers, the ATCs will broaden users’ understanding of the UR cobots’ range of use cases, while providing opportunities for hands-on practice in real-life applications.

[Read more…] about Universal Robots opens authorised training centres in North America

Universal Robots certifies ATI’s automated tool changer QC-11

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ATI Industrial Automation’s QC-11 Automatic Tool Changer is a vital component of many robotic applications and is now certified to work with collaborative robots from Universal Robots.

The QC-11 enables automatic exchange of robotic end-effectors without any manual intervention. With an ATI Automatic Tool Changer, a robot can use multiple end-effectors in a single process.

Preceding the QC-11 in the UR+ program are ATI’s Axia80 Force/Torque Sensor and MC-10 Manual Tool Changer. There are more than 150 products in the UR+ portfolio featuring plug-and-play solutions for UR cobots.

[Read more…] about Universal Robots certifies ATI’s automated tool changer QC-11

Collaborative robots being bought at ‘feverish rate’

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Most commentators and onlookers of the robotics industry hear of and understand the advertised value proposition of collaborative robots.

Cobots are smaller, more dexterous industrial robotic arms that open the possibility between human and machine collaboration without the need for complex programming or external safety infrastructure.

In reality, the value of current collaborative robotics is somewhat more modest. [Read more…] about Collaborative robots being bought at ‘feverish rate’

Danish robot industry makes 5 recommendations for continued growth

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For the last 20 years, Denmark has succeeded in becoming one of the world’s leading robot nations. New figures show great potential for future growth, exports and employment within the Danish robot industry.

The Danish robot industry wants to realise this potential and has launched five recommendations for the newly elected Danish Parliament.

By 2025, up to 25,000 may be directly employed in the robot industry – from a current level of 8,500 employees – and total revenue has the potential to reach DKK 52 billion.

If one counts the derived revenue and employment (growth that is dependent on activities in the robot industry), then the total potential is DKK 80 billion in turnover and 55,000 employees in 2025.

[Read more…] about Danish robot industry makes 5 recommendations for continued growth

Taiwanese store employs robot to make and serve tea

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A Taiwanese food and beverage store called Babo Arms is now using a collaborative robot from Universal Robots to make and serve tea.

Universal Robots’ UR5 unit was chosen by Babo Arms to “add a twist of modernity” into their production process.

Babo Arms were searching for an automated device to enhance operations and address the ongoing recruitment issue faced by the food and beverage industry. [Read more…] about Taiwanese store employs robot to make and serve tea