Top 10 UR+ Accessories to Make the Most of Your Universal Robot
In 2005, Universal Robots was founded with a clear goal: to make robot technology accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises. A decade later, they launched the Universal Robots+ ecosystem, accomplishing that goal by bringing together accessories and products that can address nearly any production need.
You may already be using a Universal Robot, are considering changing to an automated process, or are just interested in the technology and want to learn more about how specific solutions have been created for specific problems.
You’re in luck!
In this article, we’ll break down how to make the most of your UR cobot by digging into our recommendations of the best accessories for both general and individual applications.
Ready? Let’s jump in.
What is Universal Robots and the UR+ Ecosystem?
The introduction of UR cobots–a robot that is meant to work alongside humans in a shared space–has allowed for a new level of collaboration and efficiency in factories, labs, construction sites, and many other workplaces.
The UR+ ecosystem has been built around the UR cobots to equip them for any production need. Universal Robots opened up its platform to allow third-party manufacturers to design new Plug & Play products and solutions for their robots.
The UR+ marketplace now offers an ever-growing range of products and accessories that can be used to configure a cobot for specific tasks or needs.
Accessories offered through UR+ include:
Grippers
Sensors
Software
End-effectors (the tools at the end of the robot arm)
Application packages
Much, much more
Make the Most of Your UR Cobot
Your first visit to the UR+ marketplace can be an overwhelming experience.
There are tools, kits, components, software, and accessories for all kinds of specific applications, meaning it can be difficult to wade through the offerings to find what you need.
Below, we’ve parsed through the clutter and found our 10 recommended UR+ accessories for your UR cobot (Without any specific order 😉).
For Any UR Applications
To start, we’ll work through some options from which any UR robot in any application could benefit. These accessories aren’t job-specific and will help upgrade your universal robot work cell for better productivity and longevity.
Olis Connect
If you are moving toward lights-out manufacturing or trying to run production with less people on the plant floor, it is essential to have some sort of remote monitoring and access. Allowing a malfunction to shut down an entire assembly line is unacceptable. With Olis Connect, you can quickly diagnose the issue and potentially correct it remotely, even from a smartphone app.
Learn More Here: https://olisrobotics.com/
FlexxReference from Flexxbotics
Do you want to do more than one task with your UR cobot? Then you need FlexxReference, which allows you to move it or the workstation without full reprogramming. This will increase your robot utilization rate and your bottom line.
Flexxbotics also offers FlexxConnect, a cloud-based work cell management platform to reduce the time and complexity it takes you to set up and execute manufacturing jobs. Get data but also execute and improve your production!
Learn More Here: https://flexxbotics.com/
Teach Pendant Bumper from RoboWorld
If your smartphone needs a case, so does a UR teach pendant–something far more valuable. The rubber pendant armor is an absolute must for any high-use area, to protect the tech box from accidental drops or bumps. Having to replace your teach pendant is a hassle you don’t need in a production environment. This simple add-on can really save you time and money!
Learn More Here: https://roboworld.com
Cable Saver Kits from Reiku
Ask any competent robotic engineer–cable management is important. That’s where the Reiku Cobot kits for Universal Robots come in, allowing you to prevent unplanned downtime due to cable wear and tear.
A loose or torn cable can quickly turn a production run into a nightmare, costing thousands of dollars per minute!
Learn More Here: https://reikuna.com/cobot-saver-kits
Tool Changer from Millibar
Doing more with your UR cobot can help increase your bottom line and speed up your ROI. Changing tools might not seem like a time-waster, but if you’re constantly redeploying a cobot to a different task, that time can add up. The Millibar Tool Changer can cut that time, having your production up and running in just a few moments.
Learn More Here: https://www.millibar.com/
For Specific UR Applications
The marketplace also includes accessories geared toward specific jobs. Again, these won’t be for everyone but are reliable, effective solutions to an individual problem.
Dispensing Solution from Robot27
No more will a small enterprise need a human to repeatedly dispense materials in a tedious, brain-sucking job. The Robot27 line offers several different heads, from syringes carrying just three milliliters to cartridges holding more than 300. Silicones, sealants, epoxies–you name it, it dispenses it.
Learn More Here: https://www.robot27.com/products/dispense/
3FG15 Gripper from OnRobot
Best used for cylindrical objects, the 3FG15 three-finger grip head can lift up to 15 kg and needs barely any technical knowledge to install and program. If part of your production line includes a pick and place workstation, this can reliably and precisely do the job.
OnRobot also has many other end-of-arm tools and solution packages for Universal Robots.
Learn More Here: https://onrobot.com/
Press Brakes Operator Package from Mid-Atlantic Machinery
This recommended solution is different. Mid-Atlantic Machinery is a Universal Robots integrator. They can do diverse robot integration, but we want to feature their Press Brake Operator Package with Universal Robots. Their package includes a vacuum end effector with a rotating axis to reduce cycle time and re-grips.
Learn More Here: https://midatlanticmachinery.com/
Co2 Precision Cleaning from Reliabotics
One step in manufacturing that may be overlooked is cleaning, which allows you to prepare a part for applications like painting or welding. If you’ve been using ultrasonic cleaners, alcohol wipes, and water wash in your manufacturing process, you could save valuable cycle time and resources by automating these tasks. The Co2 precision cleaner uses Co2 (of course) to effectively clean your part surface at a nano-level without damaging it.
Learn More Here: https://reliabotics.com/
Palletizing Solutions from Robotiq
Robotiq claims that “over 13,000 human hands have been freed” using their products, including the top-notch palletizing solution. Their palletizing solutions are compatible with several vacuum gripper heads. In addition, simply enter your pallet configuration, the pick point, and the rest will be handled by their palletizing software.
Robotiq offers also a lot more end-of-arm tooling as well as other solution packages for UR.
Learn More Here: https://robotiq.com/solutions/palletizing
Final Thoughts
The UR+ marketplace has countless other products and solutions that will fit your needs, whether you’re well-versed in cobot production or just considering including it at your facility. Make sure to check out the list above and remember that Universal Robots also offers a training academy that includes some free online courses.
Now, go make the most of your Universal Robot!
If you’re using Universal Robots cobots, Olis Connect can help you stay on top of your machines' performance, get real-time alerts, and keep your process running smoothly, which any manufacturer wants from their investments.
