At APPEX this week, global cobot developer Universal Robots will demo the UR30 locally for the first time, which launched in November 2023, along with the UR20’s new feature for welding, and the UR10e box palletising solution.
“We are really excited to showcase the UR30 solution to the Australian market for the first time,” said Masayuki Mase, country manager for Australia and New Zealand at Universal Robots.
“We believe there is great potential for the UR20 and UR30 cobots in palletising because of their reach and payload capabilities, supplemented by the ever-growing UR+ ecosystem.
“End of line packaging and palletising is our bread and butter here in Australia, and it’s the application type that brings us the most enquiries and sales.”
Putting cobots in the spotlight
Universal Robots will showcase three cobot solutions that are ideal for use in palletising and packaging applications:
- The UR10e will be featured in a box palletising application – set up with a palletising solution supplied by regional strategic partner, Robotiq. The medium-sized UR10e combines long reach (1300mm) and high payload (up to 12.5kg), which enables the operator to achieve a maximum pallet height of 2.7m as a solution. It integrates seamlessly into a wide range of applications, to meet automation requirements.
- The UR20 will also be in action in a welding application. The fastest heavy payload cobot in the Universal Robots portfolio, the UR20 offers long reach (1750mm), and handles loads up to 20kg. With its small footprint and fully certified TUV certification, it enables automation in a wide range of applications. It is particularly suitable to the ANZ region where heavy objects need to be lifted over a longer distance. The 1750mm reach of the UR20 makes it an excellent choice for palletising. The fact that it reaches well beyond all corners of Australian pallets means that no compromise needs to be made on palletising patterns and serviceable payload.
- The UR30 will display a heavy bag lifting application, lifting bags of 20kgs. Despite its compact size, the UR30 offers exceptional lift and a 1300mm reach. Featuring superior motion control, it ensures the perfect placement of large payloads allowing it to work at higher speeds and lift heavier loads (up to 30kg). This makes UR30 ideal for applications including machine tending, material handling and high torque screw driving.
“UR20 and UR30 address some of the major challenges facing local industry. In taking over repetitive physical tasks often associated with movements such as bending over, twisting and lifting loads, they enable organisations to prevent the risk of RSI injuries,” explained Mase.
“Plus, they fill the labour gap that so many of our clients are grappling with, where the current workforce is ageing and is more susceptible to injuries, but younger workers are not interested in taking up manual jobs.”
Supporting the success of local industries
Universal Robots, with its long history of developing robot solutions for clients around the globe, is well-positioned to support local customers.
The company’s first appearance in the Australian market dates to 2014, and 2011 for New Zealand, making it the cobot brand that has served local industries the longest. Its local support eco-system has grown over time, and the company now offers national coverage in Australia, as well as across New Zealand.
“APPEX is such an important event for Universal Robots. It’s a great platform to connect with customers – current and future – to have conversations that unpack the challenges and demands of packaging and palletising applications,” added Mase.
“This is a key sector for Universal Robots and one in which we have extensive experience, both locally and through our international network.”
To extend its reach, Universal Robots is also going to take its cobot showcase to Australian Manufacturing Week, taking place in Sydney this April, where they will focus on welding applications.
Visit Universal Robots at Booth G165 at APPEX, which takes place from 12-15 March at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
APPEX is taking place on 12-15 March at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. Free registration is open now.
