UNIVERSAL ROBOTS will be presenting its new UR20 collaborative robot for the first time in the U.S. at IMTS 2022 – booth 236949 – with a 1,750-mm (68.9-in.) and 20-kg (44.1-lbs.) payload that expands automation opportunities for machine tending. For example, the UR20 is able to reach further into machines than previous cobot models, tend several machines in the same cycle, and handle 25% heavier parts. Despite being UR’s heaviest robot, the UR20 is the lightest cobot in its class, weighing just 64 kg (141.1 lbs.), further demonstrating its technical versatility.
“More than half of all U.S. manufacturing tasks are automatable, a fact that businesses start to realize as they simply cannot fill open positions,” stated Universal Robots’ senior manager of applications development and strategic marketing, Joe Campbell. “We are launching a redefined cobot that has been completely re-engineered from the ground up, focused on freeing up more manpower within a wide range of human-scale automation tasks.”
At Universal Robots’ IMTS booth 236949, IMTS visitors will see the UR20 load and unload heavy workpieces into a machine fixture requiring a long reach. “We have completely re-engineered the cobot’s field-serviceable joints, that deliver 30% more speed and torque within a closed capsule,” according to Universal Robots’ VP of innovation and strategy, Anders Beck, explaining how the UR20’s base joint produces 700 Newton-meters of torque. “This is more than a performance model Tesla produces on all of its wheels. Even with the increase in reach and torque, we’ve managed to retain the cobot’s 50 microns repeatability, while still using standard single-phase power.”
The UR20 uses Universal Robots’ intuitive user interface while incorporating advanced software enhancements, giving users greater motion control capabilities. The expanding UR+ ecosystem of third-party components and application kits, certified to be plug-and-play with UR cobots, also supports the UR20. At IMTS, UR+ partner SCHUNK, will launch the EGU universal parallel electric gripper with the ability to handle varying part dimensions. The new gripper integrates with the new UR20through a URCap (software handshake between the peripheral and the robot arm.)
Universal Robots has invited several OEM and UR+ partners to its booth, including Vectis Automation, Hirebotics, VersaBuilt Robotics, Robotiq, Kane Robotics, PCC Robotics, and Mid Atlantic Machinery.
New ways for cobots to interact with CNCs will be highlighted by Robotiq’s new Machine Tending Solution that emulates the machine operator with no need to modify or alter the machine controls. Since it is non-intrusive, the new Robotiq solution will work with any brand of CNC.
VersaBuilt’s UR+ certified Mill Automation System with a MultiGrip automation work-holding will allow machinists to easily add any new CNC parts that can be held with a vise.
PCC Robotics will demonstrate an efficient machine cell set-up as a UR10e equipped with OnRobot’s dual 3FG15 gripper mounted on EasyRobotics’ ProFeeder feeds parts to an air vise.
Kane Robotics will show the GRIT™ XL-X robotic system that is ideal for sanding, grinding and finishing, including customized programming and robust data solutions.
Attendees considering whether to use cobots for automation tasks but unsure where to begin or how to program are invited to attend free hands-on training sessions at IMTS, each session tailored to a specific application taught by certified UR product trainers. “Our cobots will be in more than 20 other booths at the show as well, each showcasing different ways to incorporate cobots into machining applications,” Campbell said.
Get more information at www.universal-robots.com
