Collaborative Robots Adapt Safety Settings to the Application
Universal Robots’ third-generation UR5 and UR10 robot arms are based on previous generations but are equipped with new, adjustable, safety-rated functions as well as true absolute encoders.
Share




Universal Robots’ third-generation UR5 and UR10 robot arms are based on previous generations but are equipped with new, adjustable, safety-rated functions as well as true absolute encoders. Other enhancements included 16 additional digital I/Os, doubling the number of built-in I/Os. According to the company, the I/Os can be easily configured as digital or safety signals. The control box has a revised design and a rebuilt controller to simplify connecting additional equipment. As in past generations, both lightweight robot arms feature six joints, and the UR5 has a payload of 5 kg, while the UR10 offers 10 kg.
The collaborative robot arms can operate in reduced mode when a human enters the workcell and then resume full speed when the human leaves, or they can operate at full speed inside a CNC machine and at reduced speed when outside. Eight functions are monitored by the safety system to determine when to switch between normal and reduced-safety mode: joint positions and speeds, TCP positions, orientation, speed, force, and the robot’s momentum and power. Settings can only be changed in a password-protected area. The true-absolute encoders enable faster startups and easier integration with other machinery. The robot’s position is recognized upon startup without using battery power, avoiding the need to frequently reinitialize the arms.
Related Content
-
Cutting Part Programming Times Through AI
CAM Assist cuts repetition from part programming — early users say it cuts tribal knowledge and could be a useful tool for training new programmers.
-
3 Ways Artificial Intelligence Will Revolutionize Machine Shops
AI will become a tool to increase productivity in the same way that robotics has.
-
CNC Machine Shop Honored for Automation, Machine Monitoring
From cobots to machine monitoring, this Top Shop honoree shows that machining technology is about more than the machine tool.