Touching allowed: Universal Robots showcases the versatility of its cobots at automatica

(c) Universal Robots

(c) Universal Robots

(c) Universal Robots

(c) Universal Robots

(c) Universal Robots

(c) Universal Robots

From June 21 to June 24, 2022, Universal Robots (UR) welcomed interested visitors at the automatica in Munich. In Hall B4, Stand 303, the market leader for collaborative lightweight robots showcases its entire product range. Equipped with different tools, the cobots present practical application examples from the fields of welding, grinding, or gluing. It is expressly encouraged to get hands-on with the specially provided cobots and try out their functionality.

A special highlight: Immediately upon entering the exhibition at the East entrance, visitors are greeted by the impressive six-meter-high SINA tower. The smart order picking system contains a UR cobot that supports automating intralogistics.

Marketplace for Innovations in Automation

"We are very much looking forward to the first in-person automatica since the start of the pandemic. The trade fair is one of the most important marketplaces for us as a manufacturer, bringing together customers, interested parties, and partners from industry and research on a personal level. After a strong start to 2022, we now want to open a new exciting chapter in automation with automatica, which will bring innovative opportunities to small and large companies, not only to optimize their production but also to meet the challenge of labor shortages. We are already ready and warmly welcome all guests to our booth," says Andrea Alboni, General Manager Western Europe at Universal Robots.

Applications with Peripherals from the UR+ Ecosystem

At the world's leading trade fair for intelligent automation and robotics, Universal Robots will present, among other things, the following applications this year:

– A UR5e equipped with the screw tool LRT PowerHead from Atlas Copco demonstrates how precise screwing processes up to a torque of 150 Nm can be automated. The tool is controlled via the Power Focus 6000 controller. Individual or multiple tools can be selected and programmed via a dedicated virtual station. Especially with screwdrivers where a direct connection exists between the tool's output shaft and the motor, the reaction force would otherwise be too high for most cobots at higher torques of 25-50 Nm.
– How cobots can be programmed effortlessly is illustrated by a UR5e with the ergonomic input device TracePen from the UR+ partner Wandelbots. This allows even laypeople to demonstrate complex robot paths in seconds. The teaching tool automatically captures the tool orientation and speed and records them with millimeter precision. The recognition of movement types and intelligent overlays are AI-based.
– A UR10e installed on a 400-kilogram welding table and connected to a handheld welding device demonstrates how arc welding works with the UR+ application kit SmartArc from fsk industries. The so-called fsk SmartArc Power Package guides the user intuitively through the various processes, enabling the creation of a welding program without programming knowledge. This saves time and resources.
– A UR5e equipped with the pneumatic-free dosing device SD30/55 from AIM Robotics illustrates gluing with a cobot. The specially developed software is built directly into the robot and only needs to be connected via an 8-pin M8 connector. The liquid is pressed through the tip by an electric motor, eliminating the need for compressed air. For even greater accuracy, the application is additionally equipped with the TCP calibration tool.
– The strongest cobot model from Universal Robots, the UR16e, is showcased in a grinding application. With the intuitive solution Sander from OnRobot, users can automate complex grinding and polishing processes without prior knowledge. Thanks to its powerful electric drive, the Sander does not require external air compressors, significantly reducing operating costs compared to conventional grinding solutions. Last but not least, the tool is easy to operate and quick to deploy.
– To reduce apprehension in handling robots and to prepare students and trainees for their use, Universal Robots has developed special training cells. Interested visitors at automatica have the opportunity to view such a cell, which includes conveyor belts and practice plates to simulate various applications.

Framework Program Around Robotics

In addition to the product innovations from exhibitors, automatica 2022 again offers a comprehensive framework program. On the second day of the fair, June 22, a panel discussion will explore the question "Democratization of Robotics: Are Robots and Cobots Now Taking Over SMEs?" As one of several experts on the stage, Andrea Alboni, General Manager at Universal Robots, will share his long-standing experience with medium-sized companies and discuss how robotics can quickly and cost-effectively support SMEs. The discussion will take place at the automatica Forum in Hall A5, Stand 131, from 1:15 pm to 2:15 pm.

The automatica Forum has already become a fixture at the trade fair. Visitors can expect a variety of presentations, from trend analysis to best-practice examples. On the third day of the exhibition, June 23, from 3:10 pm to 3:30 pm, Andrea Alboni will speak about exploring new possibilities and ways for their own companies with cobots. His presentation aims to make visitors aware of the range of applications and provide helpful tips for integration. Alboni also wants to show how users can successfully start their own cobot projects and what to consider during implementation.

Universal Robots Also at Analytica

Parallel to automatica, Universal Robots will be present for the first time at Analytica, the world's leading trade fair for laboratory technology, analytics, and biotechnology, which takes place concurrently. At booth B2.314A, the company, together with partners, will showcase applications for laboratory environments and medical technology.