Elevating Automation Horizons: Exploring the Universal Robots UR20

December 2023

In the landscape of collaborative robotics, the Universal Robots UR20 emerges as a powerhouse, combining strength, precision, and adaptability to meet the demands of industrial automation. In this exploration, we unravel the safety features, pros, and cons of the UR20, showcasing its dynamic role in collaborative robotic applications.

Key Features of UR20:

Payload and Reach

The UR20 asserts itself with a robust payload capacity of 20 kg and a versatile reach of 1750 mm. This substantial lifting capability and extended reach make it an optimal choice for applications requiring heavy-duty tasks and a broad operational range.

Versatility Across Industries

With 6 degrees of freedom, the UR20 offers unparalleled versatility, catering to diverse industrial applications. From heavy material handling and palletising to machine tending and assembly tasks, it stands as a comprehensive solution adaptable to various industries.

User-Friendly Programming

Universal Robots’ commitment to user-friendly interfaces is evident in the UR20, which can be easily programmed using a touchscreen teach pendant. This ensures accessibility for users with varying levels of programming expertise, fostering a seamless integration process.

Collaborative Operation

Collaborative operation is intrinsic to the UR20, making it a safe choice for human-robot collaboration. Advanced safety features, including force and collision sensing, eliminate the need for safety cages, enhancing efficiency and safety in collaborative workspaces.

Safety Features of UR20:

Force and Collision Sensing

The UR20 integrates advanced force-sensing technology, enabling it to detect unexpected forces or collisions. This responsive feature ensures swift adjustments, minimising the risk of accidents in dynamic industrial environments.

Power and Force Limiting (PFL)

Power and force-limiting capabilities are integral to the UR20’s safety measures. By operating within predefined force and torque limits, the cobot prioritises safety, especially in collaborative settings where human interaction is prevalent.

Adherence to Safety Standards

The UR20 adheres to rigorous international safety standards, underscoring Universal Robots’ commitment to providing a reliable and secure collaborative robot solution.

Pros of UR20:

High Payload Capacity

The UR20’s impressive 20 kg payload capacity positions it as a heavyweight in collaborative robotics, making it suitable for applications requiring substantial lifting capabilities.

Extended Reach

With a reach of 1750 mm, the UR20 covers a considerable operational area, enhancing its adaptability for tasks that demand a broader workspace.

Versatile Applications

The UR20’s versatility extends across various industries, accommodating heavy-duty material handling, palletising, machine tending, welding, and assembly tasks.

Cons of UR20:

Size and Weight

The larger size and weight of the UR20 may pose considerations for applications with limited space or mobility requirements. This can be overcome but would require a larger payload.

Cost Considerations

The enhanced capabilities of the UR20 come with a higher cost, which may be a factor for users mindful of budget constraints. However, it does offer more possible solutions.

In conclusion, the Universal Robots UR20 is a formidable solution for industries seeking a collaborative robot that seamlessly combines power and precision. Its advanced safety features and versatile capabilities position it as a critical player in the industrial automation landscape.

What Applications can a UR20 be used for?

The Universal Robots UR20, a larger and more powerful collaborative robot, is designed to handle heavier payloads and more demanding applications. Here are some common applications for the UR20:

1. Heavy-Duty Material Handling: The UR20 excels in heavy-duty material handling tasks, making it suitable for lifting and transferring larger and heavier items in manufacturing environments.
2. Machine Tending: In industrial settings, the UR20 can be used for machine tending tasks, including loading and unloading parts from CNC machines or other automated equipment.
3. Palletising and Depalletising: The UR20 is well-suited for palletising heavy products or depalletising incoming goods, contributing to the automation of logistics and manufacturing processes.
4. Welding: While not intended for extremely heavy welding applications, the UR20 can handle more substantial welding tasks, making it suitable for applications like welding larger components or structures.
5. Assembly of Larger Components: The UR20’s higher payload and extended reach make it effective in assembling larger and more complex components in industries such as automotive and aerospace.
6. Quality Inspection: The UR20’s precision and payload capacity make it suitable for quality control tasks, inspecting large and heavy products for defects, and ensuring components meet specific criteria.
7. Research and Development: Researchers and engineers can utilise the UR20 in R&D environments for prototyping, testing, and developing new processes or products, particularly those involving larger and heavier components.
8. Picking and Placing Heavy Items: The UR20 can efficiently pick up and place heavier items, making it suitable for applications with larger and more substantial objects.
9. Large Parts Manufacturing: The UR20’s extended reach and higher payload capacity make it well-suited for handling and assembling larger components in manufacturing processes.
10. Education and Training: Similar to other Universal Robots models, the UR20 is used in educational institutions for training purposes, providing students with hands-on experience in programming and operating collaborative robots.
11. Heavy-Duty Material Transfer: The UR20 can handle the efficient transfer of heavy materials within a workspace, contributing to the optimisation of production lines and material flow.
12. Food and Beverage Processing: In the food industry, the UR20 can be employed for tasks such as handling larger ingredients, palletising finished products, and contributing to automation processes.

The collaborative and user-friendly nature of the UR20 allows it to work safely alongside human operators without the need for safety cages in many scenarios. The specific tasks it can perform depend on the programming and end-of-arm tooling configured for the application. As technology evolves, the range of applications for the UR20 continues to expand.

Why not contact us? Our team of experts can help guide you through the automation process and help you choose which UR is right for your application.