Drives & Controls July / August 2022

n TECHNOLOGY New generation of UR cobots includes its most powerful to date THE DANISH collaborative robot (cobot) pioneer Universal Robots has announced its most powerful cobot to date – a 20kg-capacity armwith a new joint design that will cut cycle times by up to 65% as well as being able to handle heavier loads. The cobot, unveiled at the Automatica show in Germany, has a 1,750mm reach that allows it to work to the full height of a standard Euro-pallet, while its small footprint will allow users to achieve more in an existing production space. UR’s previously most powerful cobot had a 16kg capacity. In addition to palletising, UR expects the UR20 to be used for welding, material handling, and machine loading and tending applications. The cobot weighs 64kg, resulting in a low moving mass and fast movements. Its joints have 50% fewer parts, improving reliability and reducing downtime. The robot’s software has also been enhanced. “This is not just a bigger version of our existing cobots; it’s the cobot redefined,” declares UR president, Kim Povlsen.“The UR20 is the most innovative cobot we have produced and the latest evolution in 17 years of technical experience in the robotics industry. Our expert engineers have completely re-engineered the arm, while retaining the same intuitive user interface we have long been celebrated for. “The benefits of the UR20 are significant,” he adds,“from faster cycle times and the ability to handle heavier loads, to greater reach with a small footprint. We’ve also incorporated advanced software enhancements, giving users unprecedented motion control capabilities.” The UR20, which will be available during 2023, is the first in a new series of next- generation cobots from Universal Robots. “The UR20 is just the beginning,” Povlsen says. “We’re launching our next generation with this high-payload model first to market because it will make end-to-end automation a reality for our customers, allowing them to use cobot automation to cover new tasks. The next step in redefining automation will be to bring the same innovative features to a new family of cobots. So, watch this space – we can’t wait to show you what the future holds.” Universal Robots launched the world’s first commercially viable cobot in 2008 and has since sold more than 50,000 cobots and built a network of more than 1,100 integrators, distributors and independent partners. www.universal-robots.com/ products/ur20-robot Universal Robot’s new UR20 cobot is aimed at palletising and other heavy-duty applications