Twenty proven software and hardware kits for the most popular cobot applications are now available (some globally, others in specific regions or countries) on the UR+ platform — a comprehensive range of products designed to integrate seamlessly with cobots from Universal Robots (UR — www.universal-robots.com).

By reducing recurring engineering decisions for common applications, the ‘Plug and Produce’ kits cut project risk and complexity and are ready for fast implementation for tasks such as finishing, inspection, assembly, machine tending, material removal, dispensing and material handling.

Jim Lawton, VP of product and applications management at UR, said: “As the world’s leader in collaborative robots, Universal Robots is pleased to extend our award-winning UR+ platform to include certified cobot applications. This is a new arena, where customers no longer have to select and specify cobot peripherals piecemeal, but instead get a kit with most of the needed components for their particular application. The results are faster deployment and faster payback.”

The expanded UR+ platform now features two different categories — components and application kits. The kits have been developed by industry-leading UR+ partners with in-depth application knowledge that eliminates the duplication of engineering effort when deploying widely used applications. The kits all come with ‘URCap’ software that enables users to control all peripherals directly from the UR cobot’s own teach pendant.

An example is Robotiq’s Surface Finishing Kit, which is compatible with over 20 pneumatic and electrical ‘orbital tools’ from leading world-wide brands. It’s built-in path generator enables manufacturers with polishing or sanding processes to ensure that consistent force is applied in each cycle, increasing quality and productivity while reducing programming time from hours to minutes.

The new Vectis Cobot Welder application kit (available in the USA) comes with all hardware fully integrated onto amobile modular fixturing cart that UR says costs substantially less than a small traditional robot welder.

Meanwhile, the ROBiPAK welding kit (available in Europe) provides ‘a perfect symbiosis’ of Abicor Binzel’s welding equipment and UR cobot technology for MIG/MAG welding. The Ready-to-Weld URCap controls all hardware, including the air- or liquid-cooled welding torch system designed for quick installation on UR cobots.

Mr Lawton said: “With more than 200 certified products and 400-plus developers in the programme, the UR+ platform has expanded at a rapid pace, providing the most comprehensive component platform for cobots in the industry. The addition of application kits will further strengthen our position as the ‘go to’ place for fast and straightforward deployment.”