Within Universal Robots+, distributors and end-users can choose accessories, end-effectors, and software solutions to enhance the applications. The system ensures that applications will run well from the start, saving time in the integration process from concept to operation of UR’s collaborative robots (co-bots).
Together with Universal Robots+, the company has also introduced the +You, a free developer programme to offer a marketing and support platform for the eco-system of UR-robot application developers.
Universal Robots+’s own eco-system enables applications revolving around the co-bot arms UR3, UR5 and UR10 to be developed and showcased.
These accessory components that extend the UR robots’ capabilities are called URCaps, and can consist of customised hardware components, software plug-ins, or a combination of both. The aim is to reduce implementation periods, increase user comfort and reduce costs for all parties involved.
“Universal Robots+ enables us to create a win-win-win situation for the developer community, our distribution partners and our end customers,” said Esben H. Østergaard, chief technology officer and co-founder of UR.
“Participants in the developer programme +You will receive support from UR at no cost when developing URCaps. In addition, by integrating the accessory components showcased at the Universal Robots+ showroom, our distribution partners and end users can reduce spending time on application development and testing.”
A new software update for the robot arms’ operating software has also been released. The new release, Software Version 3.3, includes updates such as the Profinet IO device functionality to open up additional areas of deployment and activities for robots.
“A key feature of the update supporting the Universal Robots+ platform is the ability for providers to now offer solutions that interface seamlessly with the UR software,” said Mr Østergaard. Until now, the software enabling communication between developer applications and the UR robot arms had to be implemented using a time consuming and complex script code, which difficult for the majority of end users to handle.
As the Software Version 3.3 consists in part of open source software, developers can apply their software as an add-on, significantly reducing the time needed for implementation at the end customer’s premises, thus decreasing both price and potential risks.
