Universal Robotics has expanded with the formation of a new company, Universal Logic, to better reflect the company’s focus on general-purpose artificial intelligence (AI) solutions.

The company’s Neocortex machine learning works with more than just robots. It is capable of controlling any actuated machine.

The nine-year-old parent company was the first to use 3D industrial vision commercially; the first to demonstrate real-time reactive control of an industrial robot; and the first to synthesize vision, robot actuation, and artificial intelligence for industrial purposes. Universal Robotics remains the system integrator of the organization.

AI-Controlled Neocortex G2R Cells

Built on the Neocortex AI platform, the company’s new Neocortex Goods to Robot (G2R) Cells are designed to replace labor on the supply chain in a one-for-one swap. Pull out the operator, and set in the Neocortex G2R Cell without modification to the existing line. It is a complete prefabricated robot work cell that installs in one day.

Prices start at $120,000 for a complete cell including installation. Lease options are available. Payback can be less than one year.

The Neocortex G2R Cell targets tasks along the supply chain that until now required manual process. The AI-controlled robot cell handles extreme variability at speeds exceeding human capability. It is used in both finished goods and manufacturing supply chains. The cell can pick from bins, fill orders, tend to machines, and handle process flow.

In short, wherever a laborer is working in the chain, the Neocortex G2R Cell may be a viable replacement. Its effective cost is $7 an hour for a two-shift operation over five years, far lower than fully burdened labor costs.

Neocortex G2R Performance

All three Neocortex G2R Cells pick items from bins, totes, conveyors, or pallets and place them into shipping boxes, bags, or machine fixtures. The cells can read bar codes, identify labels, or take measurements.

The new small Cell increases average robot speed by 15 percent and can handle 700 to 800 items per hour (peaks at 25 per minute) that weigh up to 15 lb.

Universal’s medium-sized Cell uses a Yaskawa Motoman six-axis robot, and typically picks 600 to 700 items per hour (peaks to 27 per minute) that weigh up to 22 lb.

The new large Neocortex G2R Cell handles 500 to 600 items per hour (peaks to 22 per minute) that weigh up to 46 lb.