Unlocking Precision and Safety: A Deep Dive into Universal Robots UR3e

November 2023

Introducing the UR3e Collaborative Robot: A Compact Powerhouse

In the realm of collaborative robots (cobots), Universal Robots has been a game-changer, and the UR3 stands as a testament to their commitment to innovation and safety. Let’s explore the features, safety mechanisms, and pros and cons of the UR3, a compact yet powerful collaborative robot.

Key Features of UR3e:

Payload and Reach

The UR3e is designed with precision and flexibility in mind. With a payload capacity of 3 kg and a reach of 500 mm, it excels in applications requiring intricate movements and accuracy.

User-Friendly Programming

Universal Robots is renowned for its intuitive programming interfaces, and the UR3e is no exception. The cobot can be easily programmed through a touchscreen teach pendant, making it accessible even for users with minimal programming experience.

Collaborative Operation

As a collaborative robot, the UR3e is equipped with built-in force-sensing technology. This enables it to work safely alongside human operators without the need for safety cages, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.

Versatility in Applications

Despite its compact size, the UR3e is versatile and finds applications in various industries. Whether it’s assembly, pick and place, or quality inspection, the UR3e adapts to diverse tasks with ease.

Safety Features of UR3e

Force and Collision Sensing

The UR3e incorporates advanced force-sensing technology, allowing it to detect unexpected forces or collisions. This feature enhances the safety of the robot by enabling immediate responses to external forces.

Power and Force Limiting (PFL)

Power and Force Limiting capabilities ensure that the UR3e operates within predefined force and torque limits. This feature is crucial in maintaining a safe working environment, especially in close proximity to human workers.

Certified Safety Standards

Universal Robots places a premium on safety certifications. The UR3e complies with international safety standards, providing users with confidence in its reliability and adherence to stringent safety measures.

Pros of UR3e

Compact Design

The UR3e’s compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for applications with limited space, providing manufacturers with flexibility in deployment.

Easy Programming

The user-friendly programming interface ensures quick and efficient programming, reducing setup time and minimising the potential for programming errors.

Collaborative Operation

The ability to work collaboratively without safety cages promotes a safer and more interactive workspace, facilitating efficient human-robot collaboration.

Cons of UR3e

Limited Payload

While suitable for many applications, the 3 kg payload capacity may limit the UR3e’s application in tasks requiring heavier lifting.

Restricted Reach

The 500 mm reach may pose challenges in certain applications that demand a larger working area.

Finally, it is important to note that the versatility of the UR3e allows it to be adapted to a wide range of applications, and its collaborative nature enables 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. Whilst a smaller payload and reach can be seen as a disadvantage, this can easily be overcome by utilising the other cobots in the universal range to ensure you have the correct one for your application.

What Applications can a UR3e be used for?

The Universal Robots UR3e is a compact and lightweight collaborative robot designed for a variety of applications across different industries. Its smaller size and precision make it suitable for tasks that require intricate movements and handling of smaller items. Here are some common applications for the UR3:

1. Assembly and Disassembly: The UR3e is well-suited for assembling and disassembling smaller components in industries such as electronics, consumer goods, and automotive.
2. Pick and Place: With its precision and agility, the UR3e is ideal for pick-and-place applications, where it can efficiently move items from one location to another.
3. Testing and Inspection: The UR3e can be used for quality control tasks, inspecting products for defects or ensuring that components meet specific criteria.
4. Packaging and Palletising: In industries like food and beverage or logistics, the UR3e can handle packaging tasks and palletising items, contributing to the automation of the production and distribution process.
5. Lab Automation: The UR3e’s precision and collaborative capabilities make it suitable for various tasks in laboratory settings, such as handling samples or automating repetitive laboratory processes.
6. Research and Development: Researchers can use the UR3e in R&D environments to automate certain tasks, allowing them to focus on the analysis and interpretation of results rather than manual labour.
7. Education and Training: Due to its smaller size and safety features, the UR3 is often used in educational institutions for training purposes. It provides students with hands-on experience in programming and operating a collaborative robot.
8. Small Parts Manufacturing: Industries producing small components or parts can benefit from the UR3e’s precision and versatility in handling intricate tasks involved in small parts manufacturing.
9. Medical Device Assembly: The UR3e is suitable for tasks in the medical device industry, particularly in the assembly of smaller components where precision and cleanliness are crucial.
10. Cosmetics and Pharmaceutical Applications: In industries such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, the UR3e can be used for tasks like handling vials, packaging products, or performing specific assembly processes.

In conclusion, the UR3e from Universal Robots is a compelling solution for industries seeking precision, versatility, and collaborative automation. Its safety features, user-friendly programming, and compact design make it a standout choice in the ever-evolving landscape of industrial automation.

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.