Universal Robots Universal Robots has updated the software that operates its collaborative robots' arms. The company's portfolio, shown below, includes the tabletop UR3 and the mid-sized UR5, as well as the UR10, which boasts a payload capacity of 22 pounds.
What's new? Version 3.3 of the robot software, which features Profinet I/O device functionality, an Ethernet-based protocol for communications involving Allen-Bradley or Siemens equipment. Users of robots that have shipped since late 2014 are eligible for the upgrade, which can be downloaded from the company's website.
Benefits Greater functionality and ease of use. The software upgrade allows seamless integration between the robot arms and the accessories that are used with the robots, such as grippers and vision cameras. Consisting in part of open-source software, Version 3.3 allows users to more easily develop and upgrade these items.
Universal Robots USA Inc., East Setauket, N.Y., 631-610-9664, www.universal-robots.com
