ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Universal Robots today announced the immediate availability of its UR16e collaborative robot, which includes a payload capacity of up to 35 pounds (16 kg), a reach of 900 mm and pose repeatability of +/- 0.05 mm. The company said the robot can perform tasks such as heavy-duty material handling, heavy-part handling, palletizing, and machine tending.
The UR16e, which is based on the company’s e-Series platform, is Universal’s highest payload and best pose repeatability in this reach class, the company said in a statement. “In today’s uncertain economic climate, manufacturers need to look at flexible solutions to stay competitive,” said Jürgen von Hollen, president of Universal Robots. “With UR16e, we meet the need for a collaborative robot that can tackle heavy-duty tasks reliably and efficiently. This launch significantly expands the versatility of our product portfolio, and gives manufacturers even more ways to improve performance, overcome labor challenges, and grow their business.”
The UR16e also includes 17 configurable safety features. Image: Universal Robots
Additional features of the UR16e include:
- Fast deployment and small footprint: Like other UR robots (The UR3e, UR5e, and UR10e), the company said the UR16e can be unpacked, mounted, and programmed to perform a task in less than an hour. The company said the UR16e can easily integrate into any production environment without disruption due to its small footprint and 900mm reach.
- Addresses ergonomic challenges: UR said the cobot can eliminate ergonomic and productivity challenges associated with lifting and moving heavy parts, which lowers costs and reduces downtime.
- Customizable safety features: The UR16e includes built-in force sensing, has 17 configurable safety functions, including customizable stopping time and stopping distance, and an intuitive programming flow. UR said the UR16e meets “the most demanding compliance regulations and safety standards for unobstructed human-robot collaboration,” including EN ISO 13849-1 PLd, Category 3, and full EN ISO 10218-1.
“At Universal Robots we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with collaborative automation,” said von Hollen. “Today, we’re making it easier than ever for every manufacturer to capitalize on the power of automation by bringing a cobot to market that is built to do more, as it delivers more payload than our other cobots.”
In its announcement, Universal said it has deployed more than 37,000 cobots worldwide, performing tasks such as assembly, pick-and-place, polishing, palletizing, machine tending, and screw- and nut-driving. The company also offers its UR+ ecosystem of products certified to work seamlessly with UR cobots, and the new UR Academy, a free-of-charge online robot training site.
UR said it will show the UR16e at this week’s China International Industry Fair (Sept. 17-21), as well as the Pack Expo show in Las Vegas next week (Sept. 23-25).
