Universal Robots, a Danish collaborative robot (cobot) manufacturer, is further strengthening its partnership with MathWorks, a developer of mathematical computing software, by joining the Mathworks Connections Programme. The programme supports organisations that develop and distribute complementary, commercially available products, training and consulting based on MATLAB and Simulink. Last year, MathWorks became a UR+ partner within the Universal Robots ecosystem, consisting of more than 300+ approved developer companies creating products for the UR platform.

The two companies already work together, co-developing a support package for Robotics System Toolbox that saw its launch in 2023. Engineers can design, simulate, test and deploy their MATLAB-based cobot applications to Universal Robots’ cobots using MATLAB and Robotics System Toolbox from MathWorks.

“In conjunction with MathWorks joining UR+, Universal Robots’ entry into the Connections Programme formalises the organisations’ commitment to helping engineers develop advanced cobot applications,” says Jim Tung, MathWorks fellow. “With Universal Robots’ market leadership and the ability of MATLAB and Simulink to accelerate the pace of innovation, integrators and end users will continue to solve ever-more complex automation workflows.”

Jesper Kildegaard Poulsen, senior director of digital ecosystems at Universal Robots, adds: “We’re delighted to be a part of the Connections Programme and to expand our collaboration with MathWorks. At Universal Robots, we constantly push the boundaries of what we can automate and how easily it can be done. Together with MathWorks, we look forward to continuing our common quest to simplify advanced cobot deployments for robotics engineers.”

More information www.universal-robots.com

ABB Robotics has launched OmniCore, an intelligent automation platform that is faster,
more precise and more sustainable, to empower, enhance and futureproof businesses.
The company says that its OmniCore platform, the result of more than $170m of investment
in next-generation robotics, is a step-change to a modular and futureproof control
architecture that will enable the full integration of AI, sensor, cloud and edge computing
systems in the most advanced and autonomous robotic applications.
“For our customers, automation is a strategic requirement as they seek greater flexibility,
simplicity and efficiency in response to the global megatrends of labour shortages,
uncertainty and the need to operate more sustainably,” says Sami Atiya, president of ABB’s
Robotics & Discrete Automation Business Area. “Through our development of advanced
mechatronics, AI and vision systems, our robots are more accessible, capable, flexible and
mobile than ever. But increasingly they must also work together seamlessly, with us and
each other, to take on more tasks in more places. That’s why we are launching OmniCore, a
new milestone in our 50-year history in robotics; a unique, single control architecture – one
platform, and one language that integrates our complete hardware and software range.”

OmniCore’s motion performance delivers robot path accuracy at a level of less than 0.6 mm,
with multiple robots running at high speeds of up to 1600 mm per second. Thes capabilities
open new automation opportunities in precision areas such as arc welding, mobile phone
display assembly, gluing and laser cutting. Overall, OmniCore enables robots to operate up
to 25% faster and to consume up to 20% less energy compared with the previous ABB
controller.
More information www.go.abb/robotics

Mitsubishi Electric is launching itsMelfa RV-12CRL vertical articulated robot, which offers 1504 mm reach and 12 kg payload capacity. The robot’s wide effective working area makes it suitable for a variety of processes and industries, includingmachine tending, automotive and lithium-ion battery manufacturing. Users will also be able to take advantage of built-in functions that streamline implementation, enhance safety and reduce downtime.

The high payload capacity and long reach means the latest Melfa robot can deliver high levels of versatility in pick-and-place and assembly applications. Performance is also enhanced by the RV12CRL’s ability to operate at high speeds, with the arm designed to accommodate high inertia and momentum. This resilience means the robot can support precise positioning even when handling heavy loads, maintaining accuracies of ±0.04 mm.

Users of Mitsubishi Electric’s newsix-axis robot can equip it with Melfa SafePlus for extended safety functions. This technology uses sensors such as light curtains to limit speed, torque and reach upon detecting human workers nearby, allowing it to operate without safety cages. The ability to safely work in shared spaces without having to stop whenever a worker approach makes it effective in flexible production environments.

The robot uses next-generation servo motors with battery-less encoders that eliminate the need for battery replacements or back-ups, reducing both maintenance costs anddowntime.

Barry Weller, product manager -mechatronics at Mitsubishi Electric Automation Systems UK, says: “Thanks to its innovative features and performance of the Melfa RV-12CRL robot, this latest addition to our range offers a cost-effective and efficient solution for repetitive handling operations involving large and heavy items.”

For further information www.bit.ly/3Qg93wU

Kuka says that its new KR Fortec industrial robot delivers versatility in a small footprint. Dynamic performance results in short cycle times,whilea compact shape makes it suitable for tasks such as handling and spot welding. Moreover, the fast KR Fortec tackles all this with low energy consumption.

The KR Fortec is available now, including with an extended arm that handles loads of 240 kg across a reach of 3700 mm. Technically, this heavy-duty robot fits between the KR Quantec and KR Fortec ultra. Cross-model modularisation ensures high transfer of robot series components.

Maximilian Pettkuhn, portfolio manager at Kuka, says:“We developed the KR Fortec to achieve a lower TCO and launch a resource-saving, lightweight product. The new robot is up to 700 kg lighter than its predecessor.”

According to Kuka, the KR Fortec is reliable with a long, trouble-free service life and low maintenance requirements. Furthermore, optimised accessibility makes maintenance work easy and quick. The two in-line wrists adopted from the KR Quantec and KR FortecUltra models are waterproof and dustproof as standard. Beyond that, the KR Fortec can operate between 0-55°C. Several foundry variants are available for harsh and dirty environments.

The working envelope of the KR Fortec is expandable with the KL 4000 linear unit, which is modularly adaptable between 1.5 and 30 m. A further advantage: the KR Quantec also fits on the KL 4000. For co-operation with the KR FortecUltra on the same linear unit,customers shouldselect the KL 5000. This allows users to continue adapting and combining products easily to meet individual requirements.

For further information www.kuka.com