Universal Robots' UR16e

Problem / Solution

Cobots, a term coined for collaborative robots, are capable of expanding business capacities of all sizes. Upon integration with existing processes, these cobots bring about changes in the workplace, raising quality across various applications. They make workplaces safer while allowing workers to do other valuable tasks. Despite outstanding cobot applications, many manufacturers worry about old-time challenges such as huge costs, disruption of factory floors, and complicated coding that requires special personnel. The all-or-nothing approach brought by previous generations makes managers and business owners think that robot automation lacks accessibility in workplaces.

Collaborative robots allow for fast, flexible, and on top of all, affordable automation. Cobots can fill the spaces in today’s ever-changing manufacturing environment, filling production orders faster, upskilling workers, and driving competitiveness. Cobots are capable of intensive labor tasks, like packaging and palletizing, machine tending, and welding—allowing staff to practice their expertise elsewhere.

UR16e can handle heavy-duty tasks, from machine tending, handling, and removal of materials to even screw and nut driving applications. New cobot arms also offer a smaller footprint, lighter weight, and easier usage when compared to traditional industrial robots. UR16e can carry up to 16kg of payload at a reach of 900mm, being useful in carrying heavy tools and lifting multiple parts in one picking. This cobot has the heaviest payload in the collaborative robot series of Universal Robots. It is best for bigger tasks requiring precision and reliability as it reduces the cost, ergonomic risks, and problems with heavy tool handling. UR16e, with its easy-to-program feature and fast set-up, is in line with the fastest payback times in the industry while offering top-notch collaboration and safety.

Design

The collaborative robot UR16e weighs 33.1 kg and as mentioned, can carry a payload of 16kg. It has a 360-degree rotation on all wrist joints. It can reach up to 900mm and allows programming with its 12-inch touch screen utilizing a polyscope graphical user interface.

Physical

Made of aluminum, plastic, and steel materials, the UR16e has a footprint of Ø 190mm. One arm measures 6 m, including the cable, and it can be extended to 12 m for high-flex options availability. The tool or end-effector connector type uses an M8 or M8 8-pin.

Performance

UR16e consumes 585 W of power when used under maximum conditions and 350 W when used with moderate settings. Its force sensing registers a range of 160N, precision of 5N, and accuracy of 5.5N. For the torque, the range measures 10Nm, precision at 0.2Nm, and accuracy at 0.5Nm.

Movement

As per ISO 9283, its pose repeatability is at ± 0.03 mm. The axis movement in the base, shoulder, elbow, and wrists 1, 2, and 3 has a working range of ± 360°. The base and shoulder have a maximum speed of ± 120°/s, while the elbow and the wrists register speed at ± 180°/s. The UR16e’s typical TCP speed measures 1 m/s or 39.4 in/s.

PolyScope

With PolyScope, there is no need for coding experience to automate processes as it connects operators to robots for production automation. By choosing nodes from a menu, building programs can proceed in an orderly fashion. These nodes contain instructions for the robot and allow the configuration of its parameters. The classic Cut, Copy and Paste operations are also present for easy editing and quick running.

PolyScope has the “FreeDrive” feature, which lets users move the robot in the desired position by simply pressing a button. When the application sets a certain distance from the robot, colored arrows on the panel can move the robot to a position. Entering values directly into the software extends movement precision for a fine-tuned setting.

PolyScope also has 17 certified safety features that can mitigate risks, given that cobots remain to be industrial machines. The dedicated safety menu ensures safe operation, from creating safety planes to limiting robot motion.

Through URScript API, more flexible Polycope options come to life. While node programming answers the need for most applications, advanced functionalities can support more complex configurations. It also supports third-party sensors via low voltage contacts, like reading PLC registers.

e-Series 3PE Teach Pendant

All e-Series cobots contain Teach Pendant, which offers easy programming on top of an intuitive user interface. The 3-position enabling (3PE) Teach Pendant serves as a UR+ component that enables every robot motion, including FreeDrive. The 3PE device, integrated mechanically with the e-Series Teach Pendant, works upon the Plug and Produce function in any of the series control boxes.

e-Series OEM Control Box

As demands for purpose-built automation systems grow, the cobot design is packed in a standard control box that complements mobility at a small footprint. A ready-to-integrate box allows the cobot to be embedded in other control panels. The e-Series OEM control box has a minimal form factor that can power complex automation systems among industries and applications. It is available in all robot arm sizes, from the AC version powered through a single-phase outlet to the DC model, which is ideal in battery-operated systems.

End-effectors & Accessories

The UR+ ecosystem provides access to 400 certified components, kits, software, and safety accessories among others—optimizing project automation. Its applications reach assembly, material, handling, machine tending, education, quality, welding, and many more.

Its end-effectors include 2D and 3D cameras, force and torque sensors, and grippers that can be concentric, electric, magnetic, pneumatic, soft, and/or vacuum.

Other machine accessories, such as tool changers, protective covers, conveyors, flexible feeding systems, IO modules, machine interfaces, and user input devices, guarantee a more user-friendly experience with cobots.