Universal Robots Never Skips Arm Day: Higher Payloads for UR20/UR30 Cobots

Universal Robots, a company from Denmark that makes collaborative robots (cobots), will make their newest cobots even stronger. The UR20 model will be able to lift 25 kilograms, and the UR30 model will be able to lift 35 kilograms, including the robot's end effector. This upgrade will be really helpful for people who use robots to lift heavy things, especially after the new PolyScope 5.19 comes out on October 15, 2024.

The PolyScope 5.19 update is designed to provide added value to both new and current Universal Robot customers at no extra cost. Following its release on October 15th, existing customers can easily enhance their robots' payload capacity by simply updating their software, which takes just a few minutes to complete.

The UR20 and UR30 high payload robots can be used in various manufacturing applications. Image used courtesy of Universal Robots

About the UR20 and UR30

Universal Robots are known for being relatively easy to program and operator-friendly robots that are flexible enough to be used for many applications ranging from simple pick-and-place applications such as palletizing, assembly, or material handling operations to more advanced manufacturing practices such as welding, machine tending, or quality inspections. As for the UR20 and UR30 cobots, these are considered high-payload applications robots, but each has its own unique builds.

The UR20 is engineered to maximize payload capacity and reach. This cobot features the longest reach of all Universal robots, with a distance of 1750 mm (68.9”) and a lifting capacity of 20 kg (44.1 lbs). Following the October 15th Polyscope update, it will be capable of lifting 25 kg (55.12 lbs). The updated payload will have specified boundary conditions detailed in the user manual.

The UR30 robot has a higher payload capacity than the UR20. However, it was designed with a smaller reach of 1300 mm (51.2") while maintaining the same footprint of 245 mm as the UR20. This design makes the UR30 suitable for applications where payload capacity is a higher priority than reach.

The UR20 with increased payload was demonstrated at the China International Industry Fair. Image used courtesy of Universal Robots

Added Benefits For Universal Robot Customers.

One of the most unique things about Universal Robots is that the company strives to give as much to the customer as possible with no additional costs. They are constantly rolling out new features that will be continued in each new robot. The company's Chief Product Officer, Tero Tolonen, said, “At Universal Robots, we continuously test and develop our products, and when we unlock new features, we want to give partners and customers immediate access.”

Each collaborative robot (cobot) is equipped with 16 digital inputs and outputs, two analog inputs and outputs, and four quadrature inputs as standard. In addition, they are preloaded with various communication protocols such as Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, Profinet, and others, providing machine builders with design flexibility at no extra cost compared to other robotic manufacturers.