It has launched a virtual showroom of accessories, end-effectors and software designed for the Universal Robots brand of robot, branded Universal Robots+. By choosing add-ons that it calls URCaps, in this way, “both distributors and end users get high security and predictability that applications will run well from the start, saving weeks and months in the integration process from concept to operation of the UR cobots, ” the company says.
As they include force-feedback sensors, collaborative robots are designed to work near people and do not necessarily require the same level of machine guarding that conventional industrial robots do. They also feature touchscreen controls and the capability to be guided through a range of motion ("taught") rather than programmed, widening their applicability to shopfloor workers. Universal Robots' range includes 3, 5 and 10 kg models. (See also our recent feature on collaborative robots). However, the benefits of such robot arms may depend on the tool on the end.
Esben H. Østergaard, CTO and co-founder of Universal Robots, says: “With Universal Robots+, we create an unmatched win-win-win situation benefitting the developer community, our distribution partners and our end customers. The participants in the developer program +YOU will receive free support from Universal Robots when developing URCaps. By integrating the accessory components showcased at the Universal Robots+ showroom, our distribution partners and end users reduce spending on application development and testing when they deploy the URCaps as simple plug & play solutions. In short, Universal Robots+ is easy access to efficient, well-proven, and safe automation solutions that we elevate to the next level by collaborating with a crucial component: the developers of today and tomorrow.”
Once a potential developer is approved by Universal Robots, it may send its products to it for testing. Provided it passes these tests, the item may be posted in the showroom free of charge. Equipment that is documented to be already operating in a real application and used successfully by a customer can be certified by Universal Robots as an extra mark of quality.
One new URCap is the vision-guided Pick & Place solution of Robotiq, the Canadian manufacturer of flexible robot grippers and sensors. Samuel Bouchard, CEO of Robotiq, says: “The UR robot arms can be equipped with our new camera and vision system and deployed right into assembly within five minutes.”
There are many others available. End-effectors include a structured light 3D scanner from Descam, Robotiq two- and three-fingered grippers, a Robotiq force-feedback sensor, and a Sick vision sensor. Accessories include a Zacobria joystick control, Airgate secure remote connection system and status indicator lights in rings that mount on the robot. Software includes simulation and programming software from RoboDK and Artiminds.
Alongside the launch of Universal Robots+, a new update for the robot arms’ operating software has been published. The new release (Software Version 3.3) includes updates such as the Profinet IO device functionality. The new compatibility with Profinet protocols opens up numerous additional areas of deployment and activities for robots. Until now, the software enabling communication between developer applications and the UR robot arms had to be implemented by using relatively complex script code, which is time consuming and a difficult task for the majority of end users to handle.
Østergaard says: “A key feature of the update supporting the Universal Robots+ platform is the ability for providers to now offer solutions that interface seamlessly with the UR software.”
