Universal Robots provides force control software upgrade for UR5 and UR10 robot arm users
1 min read
Danish company Universal Robots' latest software upgrade includes force control and is available to all users of its UR5 and UR10 robot arms as part of the company's continuing after-sales support. It allows robots to grip and handle without crushing objects of varying dimensions and flexibility – for example, food or items contained in flexible or fragile packaging.
Universal Roberts has also developed a torso application which uses two robotic arms and mimics the way a person can grip objects. The arms are programmed to work in unison – again with variable force to avoid crushing.
The 6-axis UR5 and UR10 robot arms can handle loads of up to 5 kg and 10 kg respectively. The plug in and play devices are aimed at users who do not want to invest in expensive, cumbersome or hard to program systems. They use a patented technology that measures electrical current in their joints to determine force and movement rather than sensors.
The robotic arms can be easily relocated around the production area and a simple user interface means they can be set-up and operated by individuals without previous programming experience. Generally no safety shielding is required when the devices work alongside human operatives.
The UR5 won recognition as 'The World's most innovative robot in 2012' from the International Federaton of Robotics and IEEE Robotics and Automation Society.
