Universal Robots' UR5e

Problem / Solution

The introduction of collaborative robots, or cobots, expands the capacity of businesses of all sizes. They are a huge influence in the workplace as they can be integrated into existing processes for improving quality in many applications. Aside from making workplaces safer, as cobots take over repetitive tasks, workers can do more valuable tasks in line with their expertise. However, old-school problems, like huge costs, disrupted factory floors, and the need for trained personnel to handle complicated coding, make manufacturers and business owners think that robot automation is inaccessible for their facilities.

But as today’s manufacturing environment becomes fast-changing, cobots can answer the demand with their fast, flexible, and affordable automation. It can fill production orders faster and improve worker skills in a more competitive environment. Intensive tasks, like packaging, machine tending, assembling, and welding, can be done by cobots—leaving staff up for other tasks elsewhere.

Best for medium-duty applications, the UR5e brings flexibility for low-weight processing tasks with a maximum payload of 5kg and 850mm reach. As a universal robot, this cobot has a smaller footprint, is more lightweight, and is easier to use than traditional industrial robots. UR5e has the perfect balance between power and size, optimizing low-weight collaborative processes like testing, placing, and picking. This easy-to-program robot allows automation in repetitive and dangerous tasks, making workplaces safer and more collaborative.

Design

This compact cobot weighs 20.6 kg and reaches 850mm. It has 360-degree rotation on every wrist joint to carry the 5 kg payload. It provides interaction with its 12in touch screen that uses a polyscope for the graphical user interface.

Physical

With a small footprint of Ø 149 mm, the lightweight robot is made of aluminum, plastic, and steel materials. The robot arm spans 6m with the cable included and 12 m with the inclusion of high-flex options. It uses M8 or M8 9-pin for its end-effector or tool connector.

Performance

UR5 consumes an average of 570 W when used under maximum conditions and 200 W when used under moderate settings. The force sensing tool flange has a range of 50N, a precision of 3.5N, and an accuracy of 4.0N. Meanwhile, the torque has a range of 10Nm, precision of 0.2Nm, and accuracy of 0.3Nm.

Movement

The robot’s pose repeatability as per ISO 9283 is at ± 0.03 mm. The axis movements found in the base, shoulder, elbow, and wrists 1-3 have a ± 360° working range. All of these points also register a maximum speed of ± 180°/s. UR5 has a TCP speed of 1m/s.

PolyScope

With PolyScope, there is no need for coding experience to automate processes as it connects operators to robots for production automation. By choosing nodes from a menu, building programs can proceed in an orderly fashion. These nodes contain instructions for the robot and allow the configuration of its parameters. The classic Cut, Copy and Paste operations are also present for easy editing and quick running.

PolyScope has the “FreeDrive” feature, which lets users move the robot in the desired position by simply pressing a button. When the application sets a certain distance from the robot, colored arrows on the panel can move the robot to a position. Entering values directly into the software extends movement precision for a fine-tuned setting.

PolyScope also has 17 certified safety features that can mitigate risks, given that cobots remain to be industrial machines. The dedicated safety menu ensures safe operation, from creating safety planes to limiting robot motion.

Through URScript API, more flexible Polycope options come to life. While node programming answers the need for most applications, advanced functionalities can support more complex configurations. It also supports third-party sensors via low voltage contacts, like reading PLC registers.

e-Series 3PE Teach Pendant

All e-Series cobots contain Teach Pendant, which offers easy programming on top of an intuitive user interface. The 3-position enabling (3PE) Teach Pendant serves as a UR+ component that enables every robot motion, including FreeDrive. The 3PE device, integrated mechanically with the e-Series Teach Pendant, works upon the Plug and Produce function in any of the series control boxes.

e-Series OEM Control Box

As demands for purpose-built automation systems grow, the cobot design is packed in a standard control box that complements mobility at a small footprint. A ready-to-integrate box allows the cobot to be embedded in other control panels. The e-Series OEM control box has a minimal form factor that can power complex automation systems among industries and applications. It is available in all robot arm sizes, from the AC version powered through a single-phase outlet to the DC model, which is ideal in battery-operated systems.

End-effectors & Accessories

The UR+ ecosystem provides access to 400 certified components, kits, software, and safety accessories among others—optimizing project automation. Its applications reach assembly, material, handling, machine tending, education, quality, welding, and many more.

Its end-effectors include 2D and 3D cameras, force and torque sensors, and grippers that can be concentric, electric, magnetic, pneumatic, soft, and/or vacuum.

Other machine accessories, such as tool changers, protective covers, conveyors, flexible feeding systems, IO modules, machine interfaces, and user input devices, guarantee a more user-friendly experience with cobots.