Companies can choose pre-tested accessories, end-effectors, and software solutions called URCaps from Universal Robots+ to extend the functionality of UR's robot arms UR3, UR5, and UR10, shortening development cycles. The +YOU developer programme offers marketing and support to UR-robot application developers, under which developers can both offer and access applications developed specifically for the use with UR robots on Universal Robots+.
Said Esben Østergaard, CTO and co-founder of Universal Robots: “Participants in the developer programme +YOU will receive support from Universal Robots at no cost when developing URCaps. By integrating the accessory components showcased at the Universal Robots+ showroom, our distribution partners and end users reduce spending on application development and testing. In short, Universal Robots+ provides easy access to efficient, well-proven, and safe automation solutions that we elevate to the next level by collaborating with a crucial component: the developers of today and tomorrow.”
UR will provide developers with robots to test and optimise URCaps, and even sell them to the developer if they will be used exclusively for the development and testing of new UR-related components, says Stefan Tøndering Stubgaard, Manager of Universal Robots’ Corporate Technical Support.
Developers can also get their URCaps certified by Universal Robots if it is already in use by customers.
The first URCap is a vision-guided pick & place solution from Robotiq, a Canadian manufacturer of flexible robot grippers and sensors. Samuel Bouchard, CEO of Robotiq said, "The UR robot arms can be equipped with our new camera and vision system and deployed right into assembly within five minutes. There is no need for an external computer to set up, program, or operate the camera. Everything can be done within the robot’s user interface. In developing this solution, we managed to meet the need of UR and our customers demanding an easier and faster implementation of a camera and vision system that can be deployed by anyone.”
Just as iOS apps have to be verified by Apple before they can appear in the App Store, Universal Robots will ensure quality control for URCaps. Developers must send URCaps prototypes to UR for examination. Stubgaard explains, “Through comprehensive functionality tests, we will assess whether the URCaps can be implemented and operated easily, and if the product conforms to Universal Robots’ quality requirements.”
Developers can also get their URCaps certified by Universal Robots if it is already in use by customers.
The first URCap is a vision-guided pick & place solution from Robotiq, a Canadian manufacturer of flexible robot grippers and sensors. Samuel Bouchard, CEO of Robotiq said, "The UR robot arms can be equipped with our new camera and vision system and deployed right into assembly within five minutes. There is no need for an external computer to set up, program, or operate the camera. Everything can be done within the robot’s user interface. In developing this solution, we managed to meet the need of UR and our customers demanding an easier and faster implementation of a camera and vision system that can be deployed by anyone.”
A new operating software update for the robot arms has been released. Version 3.3 of the software includes PROFINET IO device support. “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,” says Østergaard.
Until now, the software enabling communication between developer applications and the UR robot arms had to be implemented using a relatively complex code. As Software Version 3.3 is partially open-source based, developers can extend it easily with their own software.
Interested?
Developers can register for +YOU in the community forum. All members of the community receive access to UR's developer support and to the free URCaps Software Development Kit.
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