Universal Robots: Only when applications are implemented and industry problems are truly solved can new developments be ushered in

In recent years, the new industrial revolution is in full swing, and the global manufacturing industry is moving towards a digital and intelligent era. How to promote the deep integration of intelligent production, improve quality, efficiency and reduce costs? Universal Robots (hereinafter referred to as "UR"), a Danish collaborative robot manufacturer , uses its excellent robot platform to tell us the development trend of collaborative robots in the future.

A good blacksmith must have strong tools. Whether it is the earliest globally popular CB3 series suitable for various industries - UR3, UR5, UR10; or the e series that pursues the ultimate in productivity, precision and reliability - UR3e, UR5e, UR10e, UR16e; or the new UR20 that subverts imagination and redefines collaborative robots, achieving a large load of 20KG and a working radius of 1750mm while having a repeat positioning accuracy of up to ±0.05mm , all of these illustrate that Universal Robots collaborative robots are creating various possibilities in all walks of life with their advantages such as flexible deployment, simple and convenient, collaborative safety, and fast investment recovery.

AMR+Robotic Arm, Composite Collaborative Robot Makes 1+1>2

Cater to market demand and solve industry pain points. With the diversified product demands of the C-end and the increasing complexity of the manufacturing process inside the factory, the B-end's demand for flexible automation equipment is more urgent. Compared with the single functions of AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) and Robotic Arm , the composite collaborative robot that combines the characteristics of both is obviously more advantageous.

AMR can be combined with UR collaborative robot arms and related components to form a composite mobile collaborative robot. The collaborative robot arm acts as the "hand" and the AMR acts as the "leg". Combined with functional components such as grippers and cameras, the robot can conveniently and flexibly shuttle in the designated area to perform tasks such as detection, insertion, grasping, and palletizing. This not only ensures the quality and safety of raw materials during operation, but also further reduces labor costs and improves efficiency, truly achieving the effect of 1+1>2.

For example, in the semiconductor industry, manual transportation of expensive wafers is tedious and fragile. If the UR16e collaborative robot installed on the AMR is used, it is flexible and compact, and can handle a payload of 16 kg, achieving a good balance between payload and small footprint, which is safe and reliable. The reason for this combination is that, first, industrial robots are dangerous, and protective fences need to be added to the AMR, which greatly restricts the working space; second, the AMR power supply uses a rechargeable power supply, which requires the robot's power consumption not to be too large, and the high-load, low-energy UR16e becomes the only choice. In addition, with the disappearance of the demographic dividend, composite collaborative robots can effectively reduce repetitive labor and help companies reduce costs and increase efficiency.

UR+ solutions to meet the needs of different application scenarios

The "14th Five-Year Plan" for the Development of the Robot Industry points out that it is necessary to expand the depth and breadth of applications, promote robot system integrators to focus on specific scenarios and production processes in subdivided fields, and develop advanced, applicable, and easy-to-promote system solutions. Empowering Chinese manufacturing with industry standard solutions throughout the entire chain, UR launched the "UR+ Solution" in 2022 to provide end users with a flexible and targeted automation experience.

In the global market, UR has a series of mature standard solutions, such as tightening application solutions - the robot can complete screw insertion, looseness inspection and detection while tightening the screws, which can further improve the tightness of the screws; metal processing application solutions - foreign countries use one robot to control one machine tool, while China uses one robot to control two machine tools, which saves costs while building a digital factory; medical application solutions - medical equipment is more concerned about stability and auxiliary path planning. "Small" and "safer" are the biggest advantages of collaborative robot solutions.

At the same time, UR also has some application solutions that are being developed, such as the composite robot application solution, which can be applied to machining, semiconductors and other fields. The company has received good related orders in the early stage. Through continuous optimization and upgrading, it will have greater market potential in the future. It is worth mentioning that in foreign countries and Hong Kong, China, UR welding application solutions are very popular. The stable outdoor welding quality and optimized welding environment have been applied in many key projects such as Taikoo City Phase II, Wong Chuk Hang MTR Station, Kai Tak Development Area New Emergency Hospital, Hong Kong International Airport Third Runway System and Kwong Wah Hospital Reconstruction.

Standard solutions that meet the usage requirements of different application scenarios and are easy to configure and use will eventually become an important decision-making factor for end users to choose Universal Robots, and are also becoming a new driving force for the growth of Universal Robots' business in China.

Wu Junbo, the sales manager for South China and Southwest China of Universal Robots, said that the collaborative robot market is not large at present and may not achieve explosive growth in the short term, but with the domestic policy orientation and capital inflow in recent years, everyone wants to achieve good results in the collaborative robot track. UR has always been closely focusing on customer insights to drive innovation, and is committed to developing and solving applications based on actual industry problems, so that specific application solutions can be truly and effectively implemented, and continue to enable the industry's "smart" development. I believe that only in this way can we usher in a new explosion in the collaborative robot market.