Universal Robots launches light-weight table-top robot
Universal Robots has created a new, smaller robot for light assembly tasks and automated workbench scenarios. The UR3 takes the concept of the UR5 and UR10 robots which can work next to people without the need for safety guarding, and brings it to the table. Universal Robots asserts that the UR3 is world’s most flexible, light-weight table-top robot for working alongside people.
Universal Robots says the user-friendly UR5 and UR10 robots deliver unrivalled performance versus affordability, and the new UR3 is born from the same mould. The compact table-top robot weighs only 24.3 lbs, but Universal Robots says it has has a payload of 6.6 lbs, 360-degree rotation on all wrist joints and infinite rotation on the end joint. These features are claimed to make the Universal Robots UR3 the most flexible, lightweight, table-top robot to work side-by-side with employees in the market today.
“With the Universal Robots UR3, table-top automation is easy, safe and flexible,” says Esben Oestergaard, Universal Robots CTO. “A single worker can accomplish what traditionally would be a two-person task by having the UR3 robot as a third-hand helper. It’s an ideal choice for applications that require 6-axis capabilities where size, safety and costs are critical.”
Oestergaard continues: “The Universal Robots UR3 is an optimal assistant in assembly, polish, glue, and screw applications requiring uniform product quality. Our new robot can also be used in a separate work station mounted on the table, picking, assembling and placing parts in optimised production flows. Because of its compact form and easy programming, it’s easy to switch it between tasks to meet agile manufacturing needs making total cost of ownership low and payback period fast.”
Applications for the Universal Robots UR3 span manufacturing industries from medical devices to circuit boards and electronic components. “A big demand driver will be automating production in confined environments, says Oestergaard. “With the Universal Robots UR3, we can now fit a 6-axis robot into more assembly and manufacturing lines where erecting large safety enclosures would not be feasible. The Universal Robots UR3 is ideal for relieving employees from working in environments with toxic or hazardous materials, and that scenario will also drive the adoption of UR3 robots.”
The Universal Robots UR3 has 15 advanced, adjustable safety settings. One of these is the unique force sensing that enables the UR3 to limit the forces at contact if the robot collides with an employee. The new robot has a default force sensing of 150N but can be set to stop if it encounters a force as low as 50N in its route.
By combing Universal Robots’ industry leading easy programming technology with infinite rotation and improved force control, the UR3 will be an expert craftsman. The robot can pick up screws, mount and tighten them applying the correct torque. In gluing applications the Universal Robots UR3 can dose exactly the same amount of glue with constant and steady pressure along a narrowly defined path.
“With the UR5 and UR10 robots, we see end users integrating our robot arms in applications and industries that we didn’t initially expect,” says Oestergaard. “I’m sure we will be equally surprised to witness the adaptation of the UR3 into new scenarios where robots haven’t ventured before.”
Specifications for the Universal Robots UR3 include a reach of 19.7in, repeatability to ±0.1mm (±0.004in) and improved force control. Typical applications will include soldering, gluing, screwing, painting, pick and place, operating hand tools, laboratory work and fume hood tasks.
Visit the Universal Robots website for more information on the UR3.
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