Universal Robots Debuts UR15 Cobot To Accelerate Factory Automation

In modern manufacturing, the demand for higher output often clashes with the limitations of existing automation. Collaborative robots may struggle to keep up with the pace of high-volume production lines. Add space constraints and the need for precise movements, and manufacturers can be left compromising speed for accuracy or adaptability for power.

Universal Robots (UR) aims to change this with the introduction of the UR15, the company’s fastest cobot to date. Unveiled at Automate, the UR15 delivers top speeds of 5 m/s and up to 30% shorter cycle times for common tasks like pick-and-place. Despite the speed boost, the UR15 retains the compact footprint and flexibility that UR robots are known for.

The UR15 features a max TCP speed of 5 m/s, making it UR’s fastest cobot on the market. Image used courtesy of Universal Robots

The UR15 Collaborative Robot

At its core, the UR15 collaborative robot is built to handle more work in less time. It supports a payload of 15 kg that increases to 17.5 kg in wrist-down orientations, which is ideal for applications like palletizing.

The cobot features UR’s new OptiMove motion control system. OptiMove is engineered to deliver smoother trajectories and consistent accuracy even at high speeds. This is critical in environments where even small inconsistencies can lead to defects or downtime. As a result, the UR15 offers manufacturers a powerful tool without the need for bulky hardware or complex integration by combining a small form factor with robust motion performance.

The UR15 features UR’s OptiMove motion control technology, enabling precise movements despite higher speeds. Image used courtesy of Universal Robots

AI-Powered Automation

While hardware is a standout, the UR15’s software capabilities are equally forward-thinking. It runs on both UR’s PolyScope 5 and PolyScope X software platforms, offering a modern user experience and AI readiness.

With UR’s AI Accelerator toolkit, developed in collaboration with NVIDIA, the UR15 can also be equipped for real-time decision making. The AI Accelerator uses NVIDIA’s Jetson AGX Orin module and CUDA-accelerated libraries, enabling developers to build sophisticated AI-powered applications for tasks like visual inspection and anomaly detection.

The UR15 can be paired with UR’s AI Accelerator, providing users with an AI-powered cobot solution. Image used courtesy of Universal Robots

Speedy and Precise Automation

With its high speeds, UR has designed the UR15 to meet the needs of several demanding industries. In automotive applications, tight workspaces and complex tasks like machine tending and bin picking can benefit from the UR15’s compact design and full work envelope. Faster cobot speed translates directly to higher throughput without sacrificing quality and safety.

In metal and machining environments, dust, coolant, and heavy loads are the norm. With an IP65 rating and robust payload handling, the UR15 can hold up under harsh conditions while remaining easy to deploy. In electronics and tech manufacturing, where precision is a necessity, the UR15 offers cleanroom compatibility, a compact design, and precise motion control, making it ideal for fast-paced, delicate assembly and integration with AMRs and AGVs.

Expanding the UR Product Family

The UR15 joins UR’s high-performance UR series of cobots. UR is also updating its e-Series. The company’s UR5e now offers a 2.5 kg payload upgrade and will be rebranded as the UR7e. Likewise, the UR10e will be renamed UR12e to better align with its capabilities. These updates maintain UR’s focus on usability while boosting the potential of existing setups.

In a landscape where production speed and flexibility are no longer optional, the UR15 offers manufacturers a powerful new tool. It tackles the constraints of conventional cobots, limited speed, rigidity, and complexity with a system designed for precision, AI readiness, and ease of use in real-world environments.