In a move to enhance the integration capabilities of its collaborative robots (cobots), Universal Robots has announced the integration of Siemens' Standard Robot Command Interface (SRCI) into its software. This makes Universal Robots among the first cobot vendors to offer this cutting-edge connectivity functionality.

The SRCI is a new standardized interface developed by Siemens to streamline the communication between programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and robots from different manufacturers. By adopting SRCI, Universal Robots' cobots can now connect seamlessly with Siemens' PLCs, enabling faster integration and higher ease of use.

"By having our robots connect seamlessly to a global industry leader like Siemens, we can now offer our partners and customers, both existing and prospective, faster integration and higher ease of use," stated Daniel Friedman, Global Director of Strategic Partnerships at Universal Robots. "We strive to make cobot automation as simple as possible for our customers, and this is yet another step in our commitment to provide automation for anyone, anywhere."

The SRCI integration is available for Universal Robots' e-Series cobot family as well as the next-generation UR20 and UR30 models. It can be installed and activated through the PolyScope software version 5.15 or higher using the URCap add-on.

Simplifying Robot Implementation and Programming

The SRCI offers a uniform cross-platform data interface, making robot implementation interoperable across different platforms. It standardizes definitions and robot commands between Universal Robots' cobots and Siemens PLCs, allowing for easier and quicker setup while simplifying the deployment of UR robots into existing and new Siemens ecosystem-based production lines.

"This allows for easier and quicker setup and simplifies the deployment of UR robots into existing and new Siemens ecosystem-based production lines," Universal Robots stated.

Siemens, the driving force behind SRCI, claims to be the first and currently the only PLC vendor supporting this new standard in the automation market.

"We are encouraged that cobots from Universal Robots can now be controlled via the SRCI and can be programmed by Simatic users," said Rolf Heinsohn, Senior Vice President of Factory Automation Segment Control at Siemens. "We want to accelerate factory automation and scale the use of robots in industry by making them simple and available to all our customers' employees. It is a great advantage for our customers to be able to easily integrate and use UR's robots together with the Siemens PLCs in their production."

Accelerating Automation with Robotics

Universal Robots, a subsidiary of Teradyne Inc., continues to push the boundaries of collaborative robotics. Ujjwal Kumar, Group President of Teradyne Robotics, will be giving a keynote presentation at the upcoming Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston next week. During his presentation, Kumar will share lessons learned and insights on how robotics can accelerate the transformation of industry.

As an RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award Winner, Universal Robots will be among the organizations honored at the inaugural RBR50 Gala during the event.

The Robotics Summit & Expo, taking place on May 1 and 2 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, promises to be a hub of innovation and networking. With over 200 exhibitors, various networking opportunities, a Women in Robotics breakfast, a career fair, an engineering theater, a startup showcase, and more, the event is set to showcase the latest advancements in the robotics industry.

Registration is now open for the Robotics Summit & Expo, providing attendees with an opportunity to witness firsthand the latest developments in collaborative robotics and the integration of cutting-edge technologies like SRCI.