In a groundbreaking development, Universal Robots (UR) is set to unveil its latest marvel, the UR20 cobot, at FABTECH, North America’s premier metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event, scheduled for September 11-14 in Chicago. This new addition to the UR family boasts an extended reach radius of 18 inches, effectively increasing the diameter by a remarkable 36 inches. The implications of this expansion are immense, as it significantly widens the spectrum of weldments attainable within a given fixture setup.
A Leap Forward in Cobot Technology
Josh Pawley, co-founder of Universal Robots’ partner, Vectis Automation, couldn’t contain his excitement about the UR20 cobot. He emphasized the cobot’s next-gen design enhancements, which include a remarkable 50% reduction in the number of parts in the axis drivetrains. “This cobot will have a huge impact on the market, improving on UR’s already robust and high-performance cobot products,” he remarked. Vectis Automation will proudly showcase its UR20 Cobot Welder, seamlessly integrated onto a sturdy 48″ x 48″ XL Cart, complete with a heavy-duty water-cooled package.
Versatile Applications on Display
The UR20 will not be confined to a single booth at FABTECH; it will make appearances in various cobot welding systems across partner booths. Hirebotics and Melton Machine & Control Company will both feature the UR20, and Cincinnati Inc. will demonstrate its prowess in press brake tending. This wide range of applications underscores the UR20’s adaptability and versatility.
Coordinated Motion for Enhanced Productivity
Will Healy, Global Segment Manager for Welding at Universal Robots, highlighted a game-changing feature – coordinated motion. This innovation, part of UR’s PolyScope software, synchronizes the cobot’s movements with external axes, such as rotary positioners or linear rails. “Coordinated motion enables fabricators to weld larger or more complex parts without having to manually reposition the workpiece or welding robot,” explained Healy. This advancement translates to increased efficiency, with UR cobots capable of welding larger and more intricate components. Coordinated
