Cobot-Driven Manufacturing: How UR Approaches Palletizing and Welding Applications

May 13, 2024

Universal Robots invited a group of plug-and-play automation partners to its ATX booth for a show and tell of its signature heavy payload cobots.

Rehana Begg

Related To: Universal Robots USA, Inc.

In this video, Michael DeGrace, UR+ Ecosystem manager Americas for Universal Robots (UR), discussed capabilities in automating various applications, such as CNC machining, grinding and welding, as well as digitizing machine tending.

Degrace said he was energized about managing the UR+ ecosystem because it meant representing a group of plug-and-play partners that range from the very simple, peripheral devices to turnkey automation.

“VersaBuilt, in particular, thought about not just how you’re going to automate the pick and place of raw material, but about bringing the entire CNC machine into the application—whether that be tending a mill or a lathe, loading the part into the machine, how you communicate to the machine, as well as how you clean your part after doing the application,” Degrace said. “So, they are taking a really unique approach in that they look at the application wholesale—from the raw material, all the way through to the finished materials.”

Throughout the booth tour, DeGrace called attention to the importance of compliance and force control in applications, as well as the use of advanced AI algorithms to replicate surface finishes.

Individual kiosks at the UR booth were set up for integration partners, including Kane Robotics, VersaBuilt and Flexxbotics.

About the Author

Rehana Begg | Editor-in-Chief, Machine Design

As Machine Design’s content lead, Rehana Begg is tasked with elevating the voice of the design and multi-disciplinary engineer in the face of digital transformation and engineering innovation. Begg has more than 24 years of editorial experience and has spent the past decade in the trenches of industrial manufacturing, focusing on new technologies, manufacturing innovation and business. Her B2B career has taken her from corporate boardrooms to plant floors and underground mining stopes, covering everything from automation & IIoT, robotics, mechanical design and additive manufacturing to plant operations, maintenance, reliability and continuous improvement. Begg holds an MBA, a Master of Journalism degree, and a BA (Hons.) in Political Science. She is committed to lifelong learning and feeds her passion for innovation in publishing, transparent science and clear communication by attending relevant conferences and seminars/workshops.

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